A comparison of transcranial with panoramic TMJ radiographs to assess the movement of the mandibular condyle

Oh, Jong Hwa; Kim, Jae Duk; Kim, Jin Soo

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the difference of the movement of the mandibular condyles between transcranial and panoramic TMJ radiographs to view the movement of the mandibular condyles.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-four paired transcranial and panoramic TMJ radiographs of patients were used to evaluate the movement of the mandibular condyle. The distances, from the most superior point of the mandibular condyle to the most inferior point of the articular eminence on both radiographs, were measured. The measurements were taken at closed state and maximum opening state of each radiograph on both side. Differences between matched pairs were analysed by paired t-test, with significance established at P<0.05.
RESULTS
AND CONCLUSION: The mean distance, from the most superior point of the mandibular condyle to the most inferior point of the articular eminence on both radiographs, was statistically different at each side (P<0.05). At closing state, the mean distance measured on panoramic TMJ radiographs was longer than on transcranial radiographs (0.85 mm at right side, 1.20 mm at left side). But at maximum opening state, the mean distance on transcranial radiographs was longer (1.00 mm at right side, 0.62 mm at left side) than panoramic TMJ radiographs.