Temporomandibular joint: a cone beam computed tomography study of the articular eminence inclination and glenoid fossa
Temporomandibular joint: a cone beam computed tomography study of the articular eminence inclination and glenoid fossa

Summary/Abstract: Introduction Over the years, many studies concerning the articular eminence (AE) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been conducted. Very few used the now available cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) technology. Thus, the aim of the current study was to contribute with our own findings to the recent available literature and to compare results. Methods Forty-eight CBCT files (96 TMJs) were analyzed in mid-condyle orthogonal plane. AE inclination (AEI), length of condylar path (LCP), length of the glenoid fossa (FL), sex and occlusion class were defined as parameters. Results In the examined lot, 9% of the slopes were below 30°, 70% between 30° and 50° and 21% above 50°. A minimum value of 21.63° was found in a female patient with a LCP of 11.07 mm and a FL of 19.96 mm, and a maximum value of 59.62° in a male patient with a LCP of 7.72 mm and a FL of 14.39 mm. A decrease in mean LCP and FL values for each increase in AEI category was noticed. Averages of both sexes were similar. Asymmetry was found in all patients. There were some differences between the two occlusal groups. Conclusions CBCT is a useful, non-invasive tool in analyzing TMJ bone structures. There might be a connection between AEI, LCP and FL in dictating the geometrical shape of the glenoid fossa. Differences in the values of the occlusal groups denote that occlusion could act as a factor for slope steepness.

• Details
• Contents