Comparison of the condyle-fossa relationship between skeletal class III malocclusion patients with and without asymmetry: a retrospective three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomograpy study

Abstract

Objective This study investigated whether temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condyle-fossa relationships are bilaterally symmetric in class III malocclusion patients with and without asymmetry and compared to those with normal occlusion. The hypothesis was a difference in condyle-fossa relationships exists in asymmetric patients.MethodsGroup 1 comprised 40 Korean normal occlusion subjects. Groups 2 and 3 comprised patients diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion, who were grouped according to the presence of mandibular asymmetry: Group 2 included symmetric mandibles, while group 3 included asymmetric mandibles. Pretreatment three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (3D CBCT) images were obtained. Right- and left-sided TMJ spaces in groups 1 and 2 or deviated and non-deviated sides in group 3 were evaluated, and the axial condylar angle was compared.ResultsThe TMJ spaces demonstrated no significant bilateral differences in any group. Only group 3 had slightly narrower superior spaces (p < 0.001). The axial condylar angles between group 1 and 2 were not significant. However, group 3 showed a statistically significant bilateral difference (p < 0.001); toward the deviated side, the axial condylar angle was steeper.ConclusionsEven in the asymmetric group, the TMJ spaces were similar between deviated and non-deviated sides, indicating a bilateral condyle-fossa relationship in patients with asymmetry that may be as symmetrical as that in patients with symmetry. However, the axial condylar angle had bilateral differences only in asymmetric groups. The mean TMJ space value and the bilateral difference may be used for evaluating condyle-fossa relationships with CBCT.

Sequential changes of postoperative condylar position in patients with facial asymmetry

“…The condyle was positioned almost centrally in the coronal view and superiorly in the sagittal view on the nonaffected side and more posteriorly, inferiorly, and medially on the affected side. In accordance with our results, Kim et al 3 also reported that the condyle on the affected side had to rotate with the increase in the ACA.…”

“…1,2 The condyle on the affected side adjusts and rotates to maintain the same condyle-fossa relationship with similar bilateral joint spaces. 3 Such compensatory adaptation can cause stress loading on the articular surface of the condyle. 1,[4][5][6] To correct the underlying skeletal discrepancy, orthognathic surgery is considered as the gold standard for the treatment of facial asymmetry.…”

Correction of facial asymmetry and maxillary canting with corticotomy and 1-jaw orthognathic surgery

“…17,18 Precise and accurate diagnosis and surgical treatment planning are important to address the underlying causes of a facial asymmetry. The clinician will evaluate the asymmetry of the upper third of the face (orbital dystopia) to determine whether it will be included in treatment planning.…”

Auto exposure control (AEC) modality in CBCT devices: Revisiting the reported parameters in current orthodontic literature

“…10 This study included 120 patients and data acquisition parameters were as the following: 120 kVp and 47.7 mA. Cha had his research published in the same journal and the same year using a CT device.…”