Radiographic evaluation of defects created in mandibular condyles

Twenty-four defects were created in mandibular condyles. These were divided into two groups of twelve (small and large). Seven radiographic techniques were utilized, and their effectiveness in demonstrating these defects was evaluated. A variety of condyles was selected for evaluation with respect to size as well as horizontal and vertical angulation. The created defects varied greatly with respect to size and location. After examination of each of the created defects in the condyles with each of the radiographic techniques, the created defects were localized with silver amalgam and re-examined with the radiographic techniques. The radiographs of each condyle were compared for visualization of the defects. With all techniques used in this study, visualization of the smaller defects was very poor. The technique that scored the highest for visualization of all defects was corrected anterior-posterior laminagraphy.