The shape of the coronoid process and sigmoid notch is useful in anthropological studies and forensic dentistry. Literature review shows that the morphological variation in the shape of coronoid process and sigmoid notch may be due to hereditary or functional changes and have a correlation with the mode and degree of the attachment of temporalis muscle.

In this study the shape of the coronoid process and sigmoid notch were analyzed in 200 orthopantomographs. The coronoid process and sigmoid notch were classified as beak shaped, flat round, triangular and sloping, round and wide respectively. In this study, we have attempted to analyze the prevalence of different shapes of coronoid process and sigmoid notch in the residents of South India. The different shapes of coronoid process and sigmoid notch were compared for sexual dimorphism and difference on either side.

The mean age ± SD of the study population was found to be 35.03 ± 18.37. No significant changes were observed among right and left coronoid process and sigmoid notch, neither was there any changes observed among males and females. Triangular shape coronoid process and the sloping form for sigmoid notch appears to be more common. Variation in the shape according to age was found to be statistically insignificant.

A multicentric study involving various ethnic groups of larger sample size may be undertaken to analyze variations in the morphology of coronoid process and sigmoid notch.

Shakya S, Ongole R, Nagraj SK. Morphology of Coronoid Process and Sigmoid Notch in Orthopantomograms of South Indian Population. World J Dent 2013;4(1):1-3.