## 1 Introduction  
The morphology of the condyle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) changes according to age, gender, facial type, functional load, occlusal force, and type of malocclusion, and between the left and right sides [1]. Parafunctional factors such as bruxism and clenching overload the joints, leading to remodeling [1, 2] and articular disc derangement [3]. The trabecular bone organization is characterized by porosity, trabecular thickness, and anisotropy, which can be altered depending on the movements resulting from chewing [4]. The remodeling of the condyle cartilage of the mandible occurs in response to mechanical deformations, in which chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification are regulated to obtain a better balance between mechanical stress and the load capacity of the joint [5]. Among the degenerative signs affecting the condyle, one can cite flattening, formation of osteophytes, presence of subchondral sclerosis, and erosion of cortical bone [6, 7], with flattening being a condition that reflects an initial process and cortical erosion occurring in a more advanced stage. The destruction of the condyle can cause malformations such as retrogathism, anterior open bite, and facial asymmetry [7]. Addressing this condition in its early stages is crucial for several reasons:* Prevention of progressive deformity: Early intervention can halt or slow the progression of facial asymmetry and malocclusion, potentially avoiding more complex surgical corrections in the future [8];
* Preservation of growth potential: In younger patients, timely treatment may allow for more normal facial growth and development [9];
* Functional improvement: Early management can help maintain or restore proper jaw function, including mastication and speech [10];
* Psychosocial benefits: Preventing severe facial deformities can have significant positive impacts on a patient's self-esteem and social interactions, particularly in adolescents [11];
* Simplified treatment: Early detection and treatment may allow for less invasive procedures and potentially better outcomes compared to addressing advanced deformities [12]. Computed tomography (CT) has been used to evaluate TMJ since the early 1980s as it offers superior image quality for assessing bone structures. Therefore, CT is a highly recommended examination in the evaluation of condyles, particularly in the diagnosis of ankyloses, arthritis, and osteoarthritis [13]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the most accurate method for showing structural alterations, particularly in the TMJ soft tissues, as it can identify the articular disc [9]. MRI is essential to detect changes in the condylar bone marrow, such as avascular necrosis and edema [14]. Radiomics is a field of medical imaging dedicated to quantitative analysis of original medical images [15]. Features extracted from the images (e.g., shape, texture, and pixel intensity) and their analysis are used to obtain detailed information about the morphology and heterogeneity of a lesion or tissue [15; 16]. When combined with other clinical data, this information can be valuable for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a disease [16]. Although MRI is the gold standard for detecting bone marrow changes, identifying these changes through a visual inspection of images remains challenging due to the limitations of the human eye in distinguishing subtle differences in grayscale intensities [17]. Therefore, incorporating radiomics into the methodology enhances the MRI contrast, which allows for a more detailed and quantitative analysis of imaging features. This significantly improves the detection and evaluation of tissue and lesion heterogeneity [15]. Texture analysis (TA) is a statistical image analysis technique based on the use of radiomics, in which the distribution of pixel signals is quantitatively assessed by comparing them to neighboring pixels in a non-invasive way.