Analysis of the Relationship between Mandibular Condylar Morphology and Masticatory Muscles

Abstract

  The growth and development of craniofacial forms depend on the functional status of the surrounding soft tissue and patient genetics. This study investigated the relationships between the mandibular condylar volume and surface area, and the masseter muscle cross-sectional area to clarify the relationship between mandibular condylar morphology and occlusal forces. This study included 46 adult patients without facial asymmetry who underwent cone-beam computed tomography for orthodontic diagnosis. The vertical facial patterns were classified according to the Frankfort mandibular plane angle, and the relationships between the mandibular condyle volume, mandibular condyle surface area, and masseter muscle cross-sectional area were analyzed for each vertical facial form. Significant differences were found between the masseter muscle cross-sectional areas of the mesofacial and dolichofacial types, and between the brachyfacial and dolichofacial types, suggesting that masseter muscle cross-sectional area is related to vertical facial morphology. Further, a significant difference was found between the mandibular condylar volumes for the brachyfacial and dolichofacial types, suggesting that mandibular cartilage growth is associated with masticatory muscle traction.