Morphological Assessment of TMJ Spaces, Mandibular Condyle, and Glenoid Fossa Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): A Retrospective Analysis

Junaid Ahmed; Nanditha Sujir; Nandita Shenoy; Almas Binnal; Ravikiran Ongole; Nithin

doi:10.1055/s-0041-1729488

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging, Table of Contents

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Radiol Imaging 2021; 31(01): 078-085
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729488

Original Article

Morphological Assessment of TMJ Spaces, Mandibular Condyle, and Glenoid Fossa Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): A Retrospective Analysis

Authors

Nithin

Junaid Ahmed

¹Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Nanditha Sujir

¹Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Nandita Shenoy

¹Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Almas Binnal

¹Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Ravikiran Ongole

¹Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is included in the category of ginglymoarthrodial synovial joints. The mandibular condyle plays a vital part in the development of the craniofacial complex. Hence, the evaluation and assessment of the condylar volume and its morphology are of utmost importance.

Aim The aim of this research was to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging modality to evaluate the morphology of the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa in a selected population and document any morphometric changes.

Setting and Design It is an observational study.

Materials and Methods A retrospective CBCT analysis was performed on 119 patients. The length, width, height, linear measurements of the joint spaces (anterior, posterior, and superior), volume of the condyle, and roof of glenoid fossa thickness were evaluated on both the left and right sides in both males and females.

Results The height, width, and length of mandibular condyle were significantly increased in males on both sides. Except for the left anterior space, all other spaces were significantly larger in males. Overall, the volume of the condyles in males was significantly increased on both sides.

Conclusion CBCT can be a valuable diagnostic aid in the evaluation of various dimensions, joint spaces, and condylar volume in different planes and thus, can be a useful predictor in the assessment of treatment outcomes of disorders affecting the TMJ.

Keywords

cone beam CT - diagnostic - glenoid fossa - imaging - tomography - temporomandibular joint

Full Text

References

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