Background The correlation between individuals’ condylar morphology and their skeletal pattern is of great interest for treatment strategies ranging from orthodontic orthopaedics to orthognathic surgery. The objective of the present study was to investigate this relationship three-dimensionally. Methods A total of 111 adult patients (mean age = 27.0 ± 10.2 years) who underwent head computed tomography or cone beam computed tomography scans were included. Based on these data, 3D models of the skull and the condyles were calculated. The craniofacial skeleton was evaluated (1) transversally regarding skeletal symmetry (menton deviation), (2) sagittally regarding skeletal classes (Wits appraisal) and vertically regarding the inclination of the jaws (maxillomandibular plane angle). The condylar morphology was assessed (a) linearly by the condylar width, height and depth; (b) angularly by the antero-posterior and medio-lateral condylar inclination; and (c) volumetrically by the ratio of the condylar volume/mandibular volume (C/Mand). Results (1) Transversal: Asymmetric patients showed significantly higher discrepancies in the volumetric ratio C/Mand on the deviation and non-deviation side compared to symmetric patients. (2) Sagittal: Class III subjects demonstrated longer, more voluminous condyles with higher antero-posterior and medio-lateral inclination angles compared to Class II participants. (3) Vertical: Hyperdivergent subjects had smaller condyles with higher antero-posterior inclination angles than those of hypodivergent subjects. No interactions of skeletal class and vertical relationships regarding condylar morphology were observed. Conclusions This study demonstrates a clear correlation between pronounced skeletal patterns and condylar morphology in an adult population. The description of radiographic condyle characteristics in relation to the craniofacial morphology improves orthodontic treatment planning and could be helpful in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint pathologies.

No abstract

No abstract

Swallowing disturbances are common after neurological disease and oropharyngeal tumor resection. In this case the oral stage is often affected. So far the clinical evaluation of the oral phase is limited. Recently the role of pressure changes during oropharyngeal swallowing has been pointed out, but until now there are not enough data. Thereby 52 healthy adults aged between 20 and 45 years were examined using an oral shield (Silencos®, Bredent, Senden, Germany) connected to a digital manometer (GDUSB 1000®, Greisinger electronics, Regenstauf, Germany) able to record pressures in a range of 2,000 to −1,000 mbar at a frequency of 1 kHz. Three swallowing conditions were measured: an active bolus intake (ABI) of water, a passive bolus application of a water-bolus (PWA) and a passive application of a gel-bolus (PGA). We found negative pressures with a median value of −278.9 mbar during ABI, of −24.2 mbar during PWA and of −29.4 mbar during PGA. Significant differences in pressure amplitudes and the pressure pattern were observed depending on the kind of bolus application and its consistency. The used test presents a simple and easy to handle method to assess the oral phase of swallowing.

No abstract