Computed tomography evaluation of the temporomandibular joint in Class II Division 1 and Class III malocclusion patients: condylar symmetry and condyle-fossa relationship

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the condyle-fossa relationship, the concentric position of the condyles, and the dimensional and positional symmetries between the right and left condyles in Class II Division 1 and Class III malocclusion samples.

Methods: Thirty subjects from 12 to 38 years of age with Class II Division 1 malocclusion and 16 subjects from 13 to 41 years of age with Class III malocclusion had computed tomography of the temporomandibular joints. The images obtained from the axial slices were evaluated for possible asymmetries in size and position between the condylar processes associated with these malocclusions. The images obtained from the sagittal slices were used to assess the depth of the mandibular fossa, the condyle-fossa relationship, and the concentric position of the condyles associated with these malocclusions. Paired Student t tests were applied, and Pearson product moment correlations were determined after measurements on both sides were obtained.

Results: In the Class II Division 1 sample, the distance of condylar process/midsagittal plane (P = 0.019) and posterior joint space (P = 0.049) showed statistically significant differences between the right and left sides. In the Class III sample, there was no statistically significant difference between sides. Statistically significant (P <0.05) anterior positioning of the condyles was observed (nonconcentric positioning) in both the Class II Division 1 group and the Class III group.

Conclusions: In the Class II Division 1 malocclusion sample, the distance of condylar process/midsagittal plane and posterior articular space had statistically significant differences between the right and left sides. In the Class III sample, there was no statistically significant difference between sides. Evaluation of the concentric position of the condyles in their mandibular fossae showed nonconcentric positioning for the right and left sides in both the Class II and Class III malocclusion groups.