Fractal analysis of mandibular condyle trabecular structure in children

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the trabecular structure of the mandibular condyle with age in children using fractal analysis (FA) on dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) and to evaluate the fractal dimension (FD) differences according to age groups and gender. Methods: In this retrospective study, 110 pediatric patients with DPR were divided into 2 groups according to age: 6-8 age group (n=55, mean: 6.8±0.704 years), 9-12 age group (n=55, mean: 11.18±1.775 years). FD values obtained from the right and left mandibular condyle were analyzed according to age and gender. For the calculation of FD, a 40x40 pixel square region of interest (ROI) was selected from the geometric center of both mandibular condyles. Image J version 1.52 software was used to obtain FD values by box counting method. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics program. T-test was used to compare parametric data and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare non-parametric data. Statistical significance level was determined as p