Biometry of the temporomandibular joint using computerized tomography.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we performed biometric characterization of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of clinically normal subjects.

METHODS

Fifty-one healthy volunteers underwent high-resolution computerized tomography examination of the TMJs in the position of maximal intercuspidation according to a standardized protocol. Frontal and sagittal reconstructions were then performed to obtain measurements and indexes in three planes of space.

RESULTS

Correlations are observed with age, gender, amplitude of mouth opening and presence of dental abrasion. The lateral stability index reflects the degree of mobility of the temporo-discal compartment of the joint. The coverage index reflects how much the mandibular condyle is inserted into the articular fossa and may be related to the risk of occurrence and severity of regressive remodeling phenomena.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the interest in examining morphological aspects of the TMJ and performing intra-articular measurements. The biometric examination of the TMJ has important applications in the domain of TMJ pathology.