Amount and direction of temporomandibular joint growth changes in Herbst treatment: a cephalometric long-term investigation

Abstract

The amount and direction of condylar growth, glenoid fossa displacement, and "effective" temporomandibular joint (TMJ) changes (a summation of condylar growth, glenoid fossa displacement, and condylar position changes within the fossa) were analyzed in 35 Class II, Division 1 malocclusions (23 boys and 12 girls) treated with the Herbst appliance. Lateral head films in habitual occlusion and with the mouth wide open from before (T1) and after 7.5 months of Herbst treatment (T2) as well as 7.5 months (T3) and three years (T4) after treatment were evaluated. As a control group, a sample of 12 untreated male Class II Division I malocclusions was used during a 7.5-month time period corresponding to the treatment period (T2-T1) of the Herbst cases. The results revealed that during the treatment period (T2-T1) condylar growth was directed posteriorly about twice the amount as in the control subjects, and the fossa was displaced in an anterior inferior direction. The effective TMJ changes showed a pattern similar to condylar growth but were more pronounced. During the first posttreatment period (T3-T2), all TMJ changes reverted. The glenoid fossa was displaced backward; the amount of condylar growth and effective TMJ changes was reduced, and the changes were more superiorly directed. During the second posttreatment period (T4-T3), all TMJ changes were considered physiological.

Conclusion: During Herbst treatment, the amount and direction of TMJ changes (condylar growth, fossa displacement, and effective TMJ changes) were only temporarily affected favorably by Herbst treatment.