Multi-headed (bifid and trifid) mandibular condyles in archaeological contexts: Two posttraumatic cases. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: González-Garrido, Laura; Gómez-González, Susana; Gonzalo-Orden, José Manuel; Wasterlain, Sofia N.
• Is Part Of: Archives of oral biology. Volume 134(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: MHC multi-headed condyle -- BMC bifid mandibular condyle -- TMC trifid mandibular condyle -- CT computed tomography -- TMJ temporomandibular joint -- TMJ-OA temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis; Bifid mandibular condyle -- Trifid mandibular condyle -- Temporomandibular joint -- Posttraumatic; Mouth -- Periodicals; Mouth -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.6005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2021.105326
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9969

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Bifid and trifid mandibular condyles are infrequent morphological alterations of the mandibular condyle. With the aim of better identifying its possible causing factors in the past and provide clues on the potential types and severities of joint dysfunction that may occur if clinical intervention is not undertaken, two archaeological cases of multi-headed mandibular condyles are presented, and their possible aetiology and pathogenesis are discussed. Design: In this study, 143 adult mandibles recovered in the northwest of Spain were examined: 91 exhumed from San Juan Bautista church (Guardo, Palencia; 16th-19th centuries), and 52 from San Salvador de Palat de Rey church (León, 13th-19th centuries). All mandibles were observed macroscopically for the presence of any morphological and/or pathological alterations. When justified, the mandibles were also scrutinized through computed tomography. Results: Two isolated mandibles (n = 1, Palencia; n = 1, León) with multi-headed mandibular condyles (bifid and trifid) were identified. The computed tomography scan of the affected mandibles revealed alterations compatible with traumatic events, namely line fractures and deformations at the angle of the mandible. Conclusions: Both the bifid and trifid mandibular condyles here described probably result from traumatic events during childhood leading to a posttraumatic deformation. Although no severe impairment of mandibular use was identified, some asymmetries probably resulted in some sort of malfunction, with TMJ-OA and gonial angle eversion as supporting evidence. Nevertheless, the degree of bone remodelling observed indicates that both individuals lived long after the traumatic occurrence. Highlights: Multi-headed condyle describes a relatively rare malformation of the mandibular condyle. The aetiological factors were most probably developmental and trauma-related. Identification of the aetiologies of a multi-headed mandibular condyle is important to elucidate future cases. The mandibular trifid condyle is the first to be described in the paleopathological literature.