Bilateral Bifid Condylar Process

Abstract

The bifid condylar process is a rare alteration that is usually diagnosed as an incidental finding in a panoramic radiograph. The etiology of bifid condylar process is unknown, although the most tenable theory is that of traumatic origin. A 46-year-old woman was referred to our dental department with a complaint of pain and clicking on her temporomandibular joints. A panoramic radiograph showed bilateral bifid condyles Described with bifid condylar process varies from case to case, however in most cases are asymptomatic. The most common and predominant symptoms are temporomandibular joints sounds. The diagnosis of bifid condylar process is based on its radiographic appearance. Some researchers have indicated the necessity of imaging the anomaly by a second imaging method obtained in a different plane, in addition to orthopantomograph, and they have employed different techniques such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging. The bifid condylar process, and particularly the bilateral bifid condylar process, is a rare finding, the etiology of which remains uncertain. It is predominately an asymptomatic condition, discovered by chance on routine radiographic survey. The diagnosis is based on the radiographic manifestations and the treatment is usually conservative.