Association between condylar position and vertical skeletal craniofacial morphology: A cone beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Objective: Condylar position may play an important role in the establishment of different craniofacial morphologies. The aim of the present study was to determine the possible association between condylar position and vertical skeletal craniofacial morphology in subjects with normal sagittal skeletal pattern using CBCT.

Method and material: The CBCT images of 45 patients with Class I sagittal skeletal pattern were classified into three balanced groups on the basis of SN-MP angle. Each group contained 15 subjects: low angle, normal angle and high angle. The condylar position was determined for the left and right joints. Chi square test was applied to assess the association between condylar position and vertical skeletal growth pattern.

Results: The condyles were more anteriorly-positioned in patients with high angle vertical pattern than in those with normal and low angle vertical pattern. No significant differences were found in condylar position between low angle and normal angle subjects.

Conclusion: A significant correlation between condylar position and vertical skeletal pattern was found in the present study. This relationship can be considered for predicting and establishing a proper treatment plan for temporomandibular diseases during orthodontic treatment.

Keywords: Condylar position; Cone beam computed tomography; Temporomandibular joint; Vertical skeletal pattern.