Three-Dimensional Tomographic Analysis of the Mandibular Condyle in People with Sickle Cell Disease

Introduction: The literature reports joint changes in the knee and hip of people with sickle cell disease (SCD), but morphological modifications in mandibular condyles are little described.  Objective: This study aimed to evaluate, by computed tomography (CT), morphological mandibular condyle modifications in people with SCD. Material and methods: We have selected 70 mandibular CT of people with SCD (test group) and 70 CT, matched for age and sex, in a 1:1 ratio, of people without SDC or other diseases affecting bone metabolism (control group). Linear and volumetric measurements and qualitative assessment of the mandibular condyles were performed.  Results: The results showed a lower height of the mandibular condyles in men (p=0.05) and the presence of erosion and flatting of the condylar bone surface in women with SCD. Conclusions: The lower height of the mandibular condyle in men may contribute to the more retrusive positioning of the mandible in this group.