Volumetric Comparison of the Temporomandibular Joint Space in Skeletal Class I and II Patients Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most intricate anatomical entities within the human body and is clinically relevant in the field of dentistry. Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric comparison of the TMJ space in skeletal Class I and II patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted on 40 CBCT records divided into skeletal Class I and skeletal Class II patients. Volumetric assessment of the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral joint spaces and condylar shape was performed. The study groups, consisting of Class I and Class II malocclusion patients, were compared using a two-way analysis of independent t-tests. Statistical significance was determined at a threshold of p < 0.05. Additionally, regression analysis was conducted to identify the variable that most strongly influenced the volume of TMJ space.

RESULTS

Skeletal Class I patients showed statistically significant greater TMJ space volume of 1621.45±138.06 mm³, compared to 1483.55±138.29 mm³in skeletal Class II patients. The volume of the anterior and medial TMJ space was significantly larger in Class I of 878.35 ± 80.61 mm³and 855.40 ± 76.63 mm³,respectively, in contrast to Class II of 614.65 ± 65.81 mm³ and 532.85 ± 73.16 mm³. An oval condylar shape was associated with an increased total space volume. Age and gender did not show any significant correlation with TMJ volume. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated significant correlations between malocclusion and the TMJ space volume.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicated that the condyle was positioned in an anterior and medial orientation in Class II patients when juxtaposed with Class I patients. Oval configuration was the most frequently observed morphology of the mandibular condyle.