Radiographic Study of the Morphology of The Coronoid Process and Sigmoid Notch in Syrian Population

Abstract

Aim of The Study: The shape of the coronoid process and sigmoid notch is useful in Planning of several Surgeries of the mandible , anthropological studies and forensic dentistry. Literature review shows that the morphological variation in the shape of coronoid process and sigmoid notch may be due to hereditary or functional changes and have a correlation with the mode and degree of the attachment of temporalis muscle

Material And Methods:  In this study the shape of the coronoid process and sigmoid notch were analyzed in 200 panoramic radiographs. The coronoid process was classified as beak shaped, flat round, and triangular and sloping, round and wide respectively. In this study, we have attempted to analyze the prevalence of different shapes of coronoid process and sigmoid notch in a sample of patients visiting  the oral  and maxillofacial Surgery department – dental  Faculty at Damascus University. The different shapes of coronoid process and sigmoid notch were compared for sexual dimorphism and difference on either side.

Results:  The mean age of the study population was found to be 42.39. No significant changes were observed among right and left coronoid process and sigmoid notch, neither was there any changes observed among males and females. Triangular shape coronoid process and the round form for sigmoid notch appears to be more common. Variation in the shape according to age was found to be statistically insignificant

Conclusion: A multicentric study involving various ethnic groups of larger sample size may be undertaken to analyze variations in the morphology of coronoid process and sigmoid notch.