Imaging Sci Dent.  2016 Jun;46(2):127-131. 10.5624/isd.2016.46.2.127.

Evaluation of condylar positions in patients with temporomandibular disorders: A cone-beam computed tomographic study

• Imanimoghaddam M
• Madani AS
• Mahdavi P
• Bagherpour A
• Darijani M
• Ebrahimnejad H

• KMID: 2308876
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2016.46.2.127

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to compare the condylar position in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) and a normal group by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the TMD group, 25 patients (5 men and 20 women) were randomly selected among the ones suffering from TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). The control group consisted of 25 patients (8 men and 17 women) with normal temporomandibular joints (TMJs) who were referred to the radiology department in order to undergo CBCT scanning for implant treatment in the posterior maxilla. Linear measurements from the superior, anterior, and posterior joint spaces between the condyle and glenoid fossa were made through defined landmarks in the sagittal view. The inclination of articular eminence was also determined.
RESULTS
The mean anterior joint space was 2.3 mm in the normal group and 2.8 mm in the TMD group, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between the superior and posterior joint spaces in both the normal and TMD groups, but it was only in the TMD group that the correlation coefficient among the dimensions of anterior and superior spaces was significant. There was a significant correlation between the inclination of articular eminence and the size of the superior and posterior spaces in the normal group.
CONCLUSION
The average dimension of the anterior joint space was different between the two groups. CBCT could be considered a useful diagnostic imaging modality for TMD patients.

Keyword

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Mandibular Condyle

MeSH Terms

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Diagnostic Imaging
Humans
Joints
Male
Mandibular Condyle
Maxilla
Temporomandibular Joint
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A. Measurement of the superior joint space. B. The anterior and posterior joint spaces. C. The articular eminence inclination. D. A schematic view.

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