Assessment of Mandibular Trabecular Bone Structure in Hypodivergent Growth Patterns Using Fractal Analysis

The objective of this study is to evaluate the trabecular structure in hypodivergent individuals using fractal analysis, with a particular focus on specific mandibular regions. This study aims to assess the impact of hypodivergent growth patterns on bone microarchitecture. This research involved a methodological approach using panoramic radiographs to assess trabecular structure at specific regions of the mandible using fractal analyses. The dimensions of the fractals were calculated with the use of the box-counting technique by the software Image J (v1.53c; Bethesda, MD, USA, National Institutes of Health), while the statistical evaluations were carried out with the Jamovi Software (The Jamovi Project, version 2.3.21.0). The study found significant differences in fractal dimension values between hypodivergent individuals and the control group, particularly in the condyle and angulus regions, indicating a less complex trabecular structure in hypodivergent individuals. This study concludes that individuals with a hypodivergent growth pattern exhibit alterations in trabecular bone structure within the mandibular condyle and angulus regions, characterized by reduced complexity. These findings suggest that increased occlusal forces and mechanical stress associated with this growth pattern may contribute to changes in trabecular architecture. Understanding these variations is essential for orthodontic and maxillofacial diagnosis, treatment planning, and biomechanical considerations, particularly in cases requiring vertical dimension management or anchorage control.