[Temporomandibular joint, statistical study (comparative sagittal tomography) of the relationship between the surfaces of the glenoid cavity and the condyle and condylar displacement during maximal opening].

266 sagittal tomographs corresponding to the left and right temporo-mandibular joints of 133 patients were divided into 7 groups according to the absence or presence of functional disturbances or of organic lesions. The statistical analysis of the values obtained from a "triangular study" of the surface of the glenoid fossa and of the mandibular condyle showed the following: - the average surface area of the glenoid fossa does not significantly differ from one to the other of the 7 groups examined - the average surface of the mandibular condyle did not significantly vary between groups - in no group studied, except the F/P group (function disturbances/small displacement), was there any relationship between the surface of the glenoid fossa and that of the condyle. It can, however, be stated that the relationship between the surface of the glenoid fossa and the mandibular condyle would seem to play a role in the degree of displacement of the condyle during full opening of the mouth.