Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography based comparison of condylar position and morphology according to the vertical skeletal pattern

Abstract

Objective: To compare condylar position and morphology among different vertical skeletal patterns.

Methods: Diagnostic cone-beam computed tomography images of 60 adult patients (120 temporomandibular joints) who visited the orthodontic clinic of Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital were reviewed. The subjects were divided into three equal groups according to the mandibular plane angle: hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent groups. Morphology of the condyle and mandibular fossa and condylar position were compared among the groups.

Results: The hypodivergent and hyperdivergent groups showed significant differences in superior joint spaces, antero-posterior condyle width, medio-lateral condyle width, condyle head angle, and condylar shapes.

Conclusions: Condylar position and morphology vary according to vertical facial morphology. This relationship should be considered for predicting and establishing a proper treatment plan for temporomandibular diseases during orthodontic treatment.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Condylar morphology; Condylar position; Temporomandibular joint.

Figure 1. Sagittal measurements. 1, Anterior joint space; 2, superior joint space; 3, posterior joint spaces, 4, angulation of the posterior wall of articular tubercle; 5, depth of the mandibular fossa.

Figure 2. Measurements from the axial view. 1, Antero-posterior width; 2, medio-lateral width of the condyle; 3, the angle between the condylar process and the midsagittal plane.

Figure 3. Different shapes of condyles. A, Normal. B, Flattened. C, Osteophyte.

Figure 4. Condylar shape difference within the normal group. A, Oval. B, Round.