Correlation between articular eminence steepness measured with cone-beam computed tomography and clinical dysfunction index in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between articular eminence steepness and clinical dysfunction index (Di) in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). In this study, CBCT images of 60 temporomandibular joints in 30 patients with TMD were evaluated. The eminence inclination values were measured on CBCT images. Patients were subdivided into 3 groups based on Helkimo's clinical Di. The data were analyzed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient test. The results of the present study did not confirm any significant differences in the values of articular eminence inclinations among the 3 groups (P value>.05). Based on the present study, there is no apparent relationship between the articular eminence inclination and the clinical Di in patients with TMD.