Morphological Assessment of TMJ Spaces, Mandibular Condyle, and Glenoid Fossa Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is included in the category of ginglymoarthrodial synovial joints. The mandibular condyle plays a vital part in the development of the craniofacial complex. Hence, the evaluation and assessment of the condylar volume and its morphology are of utmost importance. Aim The aim of this research was to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging modality to evaluate the morphology of the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa in a selected population and document any morphometric changes. Setting and Design It is an observational study. Materials and Methods A retrospective CBCT analysis was performed on 119 patients. The length, width, height, linear measurements of the joint spaces (anterior, posterior, and superior), volume of the condyle, and roof of glenoid fossa thickness were evaluated on both the left and right sides in both males and females. Results The height, width, and length of mandibular condyle were significantly increased in males on both sides. Except for the left anterior space, all other spaces were significantly larger in males. Overall, the volume of the condyles in males was significantly increased on both sides. Conclusion CBCT can be a valuable diagnostic aid in the evaluation of various dimensions, joint spaces, and condylar volume in different planes and thus, can be a useful predictor in the assessment of treatment outcomes of disorders affecting the TMJ.

Copyright Research Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of the Dento-Alveolar Complex in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Clinical Cases

“…Диагностика и лечение пациентов с расстройствами ВНЧС требует междисциплинарного подхода, включая стоматологов-ортопедов, врачей-ортодонтов. На сегодняшний день отсутствуют утвержденные клинические рекомендации по диагностике и планированию лечения таких групп пациентов [14,15]. Нами разработан алгоритм комплексной морфофункциональной диагностики ЗЧС, включающий самые современные и информативные методы.…”

“…Несмотря на многообразие диагностических методов, в настоящее время отсутствует стандартизированный протокол диагностики состояния ЗЧС у пациентов с дисфункцией ВНЧС (ДВНЧС), необходимый для составления алгоритма маршрутизации таких групп пациентов, выявления и устранения причин заболевания, восстановления функции жевательного аппарата. Предложенный авторами алгоритм комплексной морфофункциональной диагно-стики [14] позволяет провести оценку каждого элемента зубочелюстной системы: ВНЧС, жевательной мускулатуры, окклюзии с систематизацией полученных данных, достаточных для постановки окончательного диагноза, составления персонифицированного плана лечения и реализации протокола ведения таких групп пациентов с возможностью проведения мониторинга показателей морфофункционального состояния ЗЧС в процессе лечения, а также по его завершении.…”

Morphologic Analysis of Condyle among Different Disc Status in the Temporomandibular Joints by Three-dimensional Reconstructive Imaging: A Preliminary Study

“…As a crucial aspect of biomechanical research, morphological analyses have been widely used in clinical research because their intuitive understanding of the structural characteristics and simple method of obtaining data. The morphological study of TMJ has important application value in the field of TMD pathology [ 23 ]; however, most morphological studies and clinical diagnoses have been based on two-dimensional (2D) plane images. Some studies have explored evidence indicating that 3D measurements are better able to ensure the precision of the biometric results than 2D measurement.…”

Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Assessment of the Mandibular Condylar Volume in Different Skeletal Patterns: A Retrospective Study in Adult Patients

“…The mandibular condyle morphology represents an important anatomic region for the skeletal and occlusal relationship as it plays an important role in orthopaedic-orthodontic treatment, both in shape and volume variables [1,2]. The condyle can constantly reshape itself when exposed to various stimuli as it represents a growth site, and the morphology it assumes has a fundamental role in the development and correction of the different types of malocclusions [3,4].…”