Evaluation of the anatomical measurements of the temporomandibular joint by cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND

To examine the detailed anatomy of the normal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a large series of patients divided into different age groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cone-beam computed tomography images of 100 patients included in the study. Morphometric analysis regarding mandibular con- dyle and mandibular fossa, articular tubercle and the zygomatic arch was done. The volumetric and surface measurements of mandibular condyles (total tissue volume [TV], total bone volume [BV], bone surface area [BS] and percentage of bony tissue of the mandibular condyle [BV/TV]) were also measured.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis was performed and statistically significant differences according to the side of the joint, sex, and age groups were reported. Additionally, correlations between aging and all of these parameters were also determined.

CONCLUSIONS

TV, BV, BS and BV/TV parameters according to side, age, and sex groups were defined for normal TMJ which may help to understand the onset and progress of TMJ disorders.