Variation in condyle-fossa relationships according to different methods of evaluation in tomograms.

Mandibular orthopedic diagnosis is frequently based on observation of radiographic nonconcentric condyle-fossa relationships, but the definition of normal and abnormal positions is, in part, obscured by the several different methods used to assess condyle position and the absence of intermethod comparisons. This study compared the measurement and expression of condyle position in tomograms according to subjective evaluations and linear and area measurement of the interarticular space by use of a microcomputer and graphics tablet. Area analysis showed the least concordance with the subjective evaluation. Linear measurement of the subjective closest anterior and posterior interarticular space presented the greatest concordance, had low interobserver variation, and was considered clinically relevant to the functional thickness of the center of the articular disk.