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. 2021 Sep 24:2021:8042910.
doi: 10.1155/2021/8042910. eCollection 2021.

Skeletal Divergence and Condylar Asymmetry in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): A Retrospective Study

Maria Francesca Sfondrini  1 , Letizia Bolognesi  1 , Mario Bosco  2 , Paola Gandini  1 , Andrea Scribante  1
Affiliations

Skeletal Divergence and Condylar Asymmetry in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): A Retrospective Study

Maria Francesca Sfondrini et al. Biomed Res Int. .

Abstract

Introduction: This study was aimed at evaluating the association between vertical skeletal patterns, condylar height symmetry, and temporomandibular disorders in adults.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 200 patients (ages 18-30 years old) retrospectively recruited: 100 with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and 100 without TMD (control), diagnosed by Diagnostic Criteria for the Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). For each subject, skeletal divergence was assessed on lateral cephalograms, and condylar height symmetry was evaluated by orthopantomography (Habets' method).

Results: Subjects with temporomandibular disorders showed a strong association with condylar asymmetry (p < 0.0001) and, for the skeletal pattern variables, hyperdivergence (p < 0.001). A correlation with the female sex was also found (p < 0.04), while there was no difference in terms of age in the 2 groups (p > 0.29).

Conclusions: Although it does not imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the present study suggests condylar asymmetry and hyperdivergent skeletal pattern are more likely to be associated with a higher risk of temporomandibular disorder joint diseases in adult patients.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
OPG analysis. Measurement of condylar height symmetry: the most lateral point of the condyle (X) and the ramus (Y) are individuated, and a line passing through these points (A) is drawn. Then, a line (B) passing through the most superior point of the condyle and perpendicular to A is traced. Condylar height (CH) is the distance in mm between X and the intersection of A and B (Z).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cephalometric analysis. Measurement of the angle between the plane passing through the anterior and posterior nasal spine (SnaSnp) and the plane passing through the gonion and gnathion mandibular points (GoGn).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Skeletal divergence: sample distribution.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Condylar symmetry: sample distribution.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Sex: sample distribution.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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