Dimensional and positional temporomandibular joint osseous characteristics in normodivergent facial patterns with and without temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the dimensional and positional osseous temporomandibular joint features in normodivergent facial patterns with and without temporomandibular disorders. Methods A total of 165 adult patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 79 patients; 158 joints): temporomandibular disorders patients and group 2 (n = 86 patients; 172 joints): non-temporomandibular disorders patients. Three-dimensional positional and dimensional temporomandibular joint characteristics, including glenoid fossa, mandibular condyles, and joint spaces, were assessed by cone beam computed tomography. Results The glenoid fossa positions in the three orthogonal planes and height showed statistical significance between the two studied groups. The temporomandibular disorders patients showed higher horizontal and vertical condyle inclinations while anteroposterior inclination was less, and the condyle was positioned more superior, anterior, and lateral in the glenoid fossa. The condyle width and length showed no significance between the two groups, while condyle height was smaller in temporomandibular disorders patients. Anterior and medial joint spaces increased while the superior and posterior joint spaces reduced in temporomandibular disorders patients. Conclusion There were significant differences between the patients with and without temporomandibular joint disorders in terms of mandibular fossa positions and height as well as condylar positions and inclinations in horizontal and vertical planes together with reduced condylar height and reduced posterior and superior joint spaces in the temporomandibular disorders patients. Clinical relevance The temporomandibular disorder is a multifactorial disorder in which one of these factors is the dimensional and positional characteristics of the temporomandibular joints; including or excluding this factor requires a comprehensive three-dimensional investigation of patients with TMD compared to the normal group under the condition that the facial pattern is average as a confounding factor.

Quantitative and qualitative condylar changes following stabilization splint therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders with and without skeletal lateral mandibular asymmetry: a cone beam computed tomographic study

“…As a result of a displaced disc, the condyle will vertically adjust itself to fill that space occupied by the disc; furthermore, it moved downward forward and medially post-treatment T1, leading to the upward and lateral position of the contralateral side (contributing to MA improvement). The findings of T0 are in agreement with the findings of Alhammadi et al [ 41 ], who reported that the condyle was in superior, posterior, and lateral positions, while Akahane et al [ 38 ] suggested upward positioning. The findings of T1 are in agreement with [ 26 , 30 , 42 ].…”

“…Mechanisms such as VEGF protein overexpression and oxidative stress/nitric oxide imbalance may contribute to unbalanced TMJ loading [ 50 ]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in FH, contrasting with findings by Alhammadi et al in TMD and non-TMD patients [ 41 ].…”

“…Seo et al [ 46 ] found a narrower condyle width in ADDWR patients. Alhammadi et al [ 41 ] found no significant difference in condyle width and length between TMD and non-TMD patients.…”

Joint Space Analysis Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography Imaging in Patients Diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis and Occlusal Changes

“…JSs, observed in radiographic images, are located in the temporal bone and mandibular condyle and constitute the spaces in which the disks reside [12]. While studies utilizing JS imaging have compared TMD patients to healthy individuals and different types of TMD [7,12,13], no studies have explored changes in JS over time in patients with TMJ OA. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate JS changes using CBCT images of patients diagnosed with TMJ OA and determine the association between occlusal changes and JS.…”