Relationship between condylar surface CT value in coronal plane and condylar morphology in jaw deformity patients

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to examine the relationship between condylar surface computed tomography (CT) values in the coronal plane and condylar morphology in patients with jaw deformities classes II and III before and after orthognathic surgery. Materials and MethodsThe maximum CT values (pixel values) at three points on the condylar surface, height, and joint space were measured on the coronal plane. The condylar width, thickness, and angle were measured on the horizontal plane preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. ResultsA total of 112 temporomandibular joints of 56 female patients were divided into two groups according to skeletal class (56 joints each in class II and class III). The maximum CT values of class II were higher than those of class III at the medial, central, and lateral sites on the condylar surface, preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively (P < 0.05). CT values of the condylar surface were significantly negatively correlated with the condylar heights at the center and lateral sites preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively (P < 0.05). ConclusionsCondylar surface CT values in the coronal plane are associated with condylar morphology, including condylar height.