Condylar subchondral formation of cortical bone in adolescents and young adults

We investigated subchondral formation of cortical bone in the condyles of adolescents and young adults, and looked for age-related and sex-related differences in bony formation with the aid of cone-beam computed tomography data in 1438 subjects aged between 10 and 30 years. The scans were part of the hospital's clinical protocol for patients seeking orthodontic or orthognathic treatment. No patient had signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. Central images of the coronal and sagittal planes of the condyle were acquired and scored. Subchondral formation of cortical bone was seen as a high-density compact linear image, and subjects were classified into complete, partial, and no formation. Subchondral formation of cortical bone was first seen at the ages of 13–14 in boys and 12–13 in girls. Complete cortical bony formation was seen after the age of 22 years for men and 21 for women. We conclude that cortical bone begins to form around the periphery of the condyles during adolescence (12–14 years). A continuous, homogeneous, and compact cortical bony layer is established in young adults by the age of 21–22, indicating full development of the mandibular condyle. The condylar bone developed gradually and was generally fully developed a year earlier in women than men.