Relation of the measuring values in cephalometric radiographs and TMJ tomographs

Han, Jin Woo

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine whether the maxillofacial skeletal morphology correlates with the condylar position and the anatomic characteristics of articular eminence using measurements of lateral cephalometric radiographs and individualized sagittal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tomographs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
I compared measurements of 202 TMJs of 101 orthodontic patients of Kangnung National University Dental Hospital. I used Pearson's correlation for comparison of the measuring values in lateral cephalometric radiographs and individualized sagittal TMJ tomographs.
RESULTS
Large occlusal plane angle tendency showed decreased width of posterior eminence slope, decreased depth of articular fossa and decreased posterior slope angle of eminence. Large mandibular plane angle tendency showed decreased superior joint space, decreased depth of articular fossa and decreased posterior slope angle of eminence. Large gonial angle tendency showed decreased depth of articular fossa, decreased posterior slope angle of eminence and anterior position of condylar head. Large anterior facial height and large posterior facial height tendency showed increased width of posterior slope of eminence, increased depth of articular fossa, increased posterior slope angle of eminence and posterior position of condylar head.
CONCLUSION
Maxillofacial skeletal morphology has correlation with the anatomic characteristics of TMJ. Individualized sagittal TMJ tomographs can provide useful information for anatomical analysis of TMJ.