MIMICS-Based 3D CT Morphometrics of Mandibular Condyles

Objective: To investigate the influences of age, sex and side on dimensions of the condylar head in a three-dimensional CT DICOM image using MIMICS software. Patients and Methods: The study samples consisted of eighty individuals (40 males and 40 females) divided in two age groups (childhood and adolescence). Width and length of condylar head were measured using 3D CT DICOM images processed by MIMICS software from radiology archive in specialist radiology center in different Iraqi hospitals. Results Age represented the most remarkable influence on condylar dimensions, with a statistically significant increment from infancy to adolescence. All dimensions were significantly greater for males compared to females, especially condylar width. Age by sex interaction increased sexual dimorphism during adolescence, particularly in transverse dimension. No significant differences between right and left sides were found, indicating bilateral symmetry. Conclusion Transverse growth was more sensitive to developmental and sexually dimorphic factors, as mandibular condylar width had higher correlation coefficients with age and sex compared to condylar length. Bilateral symmetry was preserved, as no significant right–left differences were detected. The current study provides normative reference values useful in forensic identification, orthodontics and anthropological assessment for the Iraqi subadult population.