Condylar long axis and articular eminence in MRI in patients with temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To compare morphologic findings in MRI and skeletal divergence of a group of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) subdivided into condylar symmetric and asymmetric. Methods Fifty-nine adults (26.7 years old) with TMD were retrospectively recruited. Condylar height symmetry was evaluated by orthopantomography (Habets’s method) and used to divide patients into Symmetric and Asymmetric groups; skeletal divergence was assessed on lateral cephalograms. MRI was used to evaluate the condylar long axis’ angle, the glenoid fossa morphology, and the degree of disc displacement. Results Asymmetric subjects showed a hyperdivergent skeletal pattern (p = 0.036), asymmetric condylar long axis (p = 0.018), and deeper (p = 0.025) and asymmetric (p = 0.001) glenoid fossa compared to symmetric subjects. Conclusion Patients with TMD and condylar asymmetry diagnosed with orthopantomography are more likely to show hyperdivergent skull in cephalometry, condylar asymmetry of both height and major axis, and a steeper glenoid fossa in MRI.