ABSTRACT
Statement of the Problem: Bifid mandibular condyle [BMC] is a rare anomaly of uncertain origin which may play a role in some defects in temporomandibular joints. Since it may be misinterpreted as fractures or tumors in condylar area, proper diagnosis will help to prevent unnecessary treatments. A comprehensive knowledge about BMC may help to understand the developmental course of condyle and temporomandibular joints more clearly
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of bifidity of condyle in a selected population in Iran by employing dental panoramic view
Materials and Method: Panoramic views of 1000 individuals [767 female, 233 male individuals] were assessed for bifidity. The patients were over 18 years old and had attended the radiology department of Shiraz dental school from September 2012 to March 2013
Results: A total of 35[3.5%] case of bifidity was detected. Unilateral form was much more prevalent [32 unilateral cases versus 3 bilateral]. The left-side bifidity was 3 times more prevalent than the right side. A large number of bifid condyles [63%] have shown symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain or click or both
Conclusion: The prevalence of bifidity in our population was about 3.5%, which was significantly high compared to the other published reports. Symptoms [click and pain] were also much more detected in our study