Articular Eminence Inclination Research Articles

Comparison of temporomandibular joints in relation to ages and vertical facial types in skeletal class II female patients: a multiple-cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is closely related to the dynamic balance and stability of mandibular function and orthodontic treatment. Skeletal class II female patients are thought to be at high risk for TMJ disease. The relationship between the TMJ and craniofacial structures is still controversial. This study compared the morphology and position of the TMJ in skeletal class II adolescents and adults with various vertical facial types using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and methodsA total of 117 skeletal class II patients were divided into three groups according to the FH-GoGn angle (hypodivergent, normodivergent and hyperdivergent), with 40 class I normodivergent patients serving as controls. Each group contained two age subgroups (adolescents: 11–14 years old, adults: 18–35 years old). The size (condylar length, height, long and short axis diameter, glenoid fossa width and depth) and shape (condylar neck inclination, condylar head angle and long axis angle, articular eminence inclination) of the condyle and fossa, joint space (anterior, superior, posterior, mesial and lateral), and position of the fossa (vertical, transverse, and anteroposterior distance) and condyle were measured and compared using CBCT.ResultsClass II hypodivergent patients exhibited the greatest condylar length, height, and long- and short-axis diameter; steepest articular eminence; deepest fossa depth; largest superior, mesial and lateral joint spaces; and highest fossa position in both age groups. The manifestations of class II hyperdivergent patients were mostly the opposite. In adults, except for the condylar long axis angle, the measurements of the condyle increased differently among skeletal patterns, while the measurements of the fossa decreased, as the joint spaces and fossa position remained approximately stable compared with those in adolescents.ConclusionThe vertical skeletal pattern, rather than the class II sagittal skeletal pattern, may be the main factor affecting the morphology and position of the TMJ. Attention should be given to the TMJ area in hyperdivergent patients with a relatively poor-fit condyle-fossa relationship. The changes in the TMJ with age were mainly morphological rather than positional and varied with skeletal pattern.

The prevalence of temporomandibular disorder and temporomandibular morphology among diverse chronotype profiles

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of chronotype on the prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and the morphology of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). According to the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire-Self-Assessment, the participants were divided into morning group (n = 30), intermediate group (n = 83), and evening group (n = 30). Thirty participants were randomly selected from the intermediate group for subsequent examination and measurements. The morphology of TMJs was investigated using questionnaire and clinical examination form in Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder. Meanwhile, the morphological results of TMJs were measured from cone-beam computed tomography images. The prevalence rate of TMD in the morning group (23%) was significantly lower than that in the intermediate group (56.7%), while there was no difference between the evening (53.4%) and intermediate groups. As to morphological measurements, there was no significant difference among three groups in mediolateral width of condylar process, anteroposterior width of condylar process, radius of condyle, medial joint space, lateral joint space, condylar stress angle, horizontal condylar inclination, width of glenoid fossa, depth of glenoid fossa, and posterior joint space, while there was a significant difference in horizontal condylar angle (p = 0.00490), articular eminence inclination (p < .0001), anterior joint space (p = 0.0163), and superior joint space (p = 0.0004). The morphology of TMJ in the morning group was better than that in the evening and intermediate groups. An association was found between TMD prevalence, temporomandibular morphology, and chronotype.

Investigation of Condyle Positions in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Objective: The condylar position refers to the location of the mandibular condyle within the glenoid fossa when the teeth are in maximum intercuspal, and it is an important indicator of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. This study aimed to assess the condylar position of the TMJ in patients with TMJ disorder using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: The present study utilized CBCT to evaluate the condylar position of the TMJ in a sample of 56 patients. Among them, 28 patients were asymptomatic while the remaining 28 had been diagnosed with TMJ disease. To evaluate the presence of TMJ disorders, the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was employed. This diagnostic tool is widely used in clinical and research settings to assess TMJ-related pain and dysfunction. Results: The agreement was excellent, according to the intra-observer and inter-observer correlation values obtained. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and gender distribution. The results showed that the anterior and posterior joint spaces were significantly higher in the symptomatic group compared to the asymptomatic group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of superior joint space and articular eminence inclination values. Gender did not create a significant difference in any parameter. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize that CBCT images have an important role in detecting significant changes in condyle position in patients with TMJ disorders. However, further large-scale studies are necessary to validate and enhance the findings.

Cone-beam computed tomographic characteristics in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease patients with chewing side preference

This study is aimed at assessing the Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) characteristics of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease (DJD) patients with chewing side preference (CSP). CBCT images of 98 patients with DJD (67 with CSP and 31 without CSP) and 22 asymptomatic participants without DJD were measured retrospectively to compare the osteoarthritic changes and the morphology of TMJ. Quantitative analysis of the TMJ radiographic images was performed to present a comparison between the three inter-group groups and between the two sides of the joints. The frequencies of the articular flattening and surface erosion occur more often in the preferred side joints of DJD patients with CSP than the contralateral side. In addition, the horizontal angle of condyle, the depth of glenoid fossa (DGF), and the inclination of articular eminence (IAE) were larger in DJD patients with CSP than that in asymptomatic participants (p<0.05). Also, the condylar anteroposterior dimension of preferred side joints was significantly less than that of non-preferred side (p=0.026), while the width of condyles (p=0.041) and IAE (p=0.045) was greater. DJD patients with CSP appear to have a higher prevalence of osteoarthritic changes, with the morphological changes such as flat condyle, deep glenoid fossa, and steep articular eminence, which might be considered the characteristic imaging features. This study found that CSP is a predisposing factor for the development of DJD, and attention should be paid to the existence of CSP in DJD patients during the clinical practice.

Comparison of accuracy of protrusive condylar guidance registration by two interocclusal recording materials in edentulous patients.

During complete denture fabrication making Interocclusal records plays an integral role to obtain the condylar guidance value. The study was conducted to compare the protrusive condylar guidance registration by two interocclusal recording materials-Quick setting plaster and Luxabite®(bisacrylic composite) in semi adjustable articulator for completely edentulous patients. Maxillary and Mandibular casts of the completely edentulous patients were mounted in Hanau®Wide Vue articulator. The Quick setting plaster and Luxabite®(bisacrylic composite) was used as interocclusal recording materials to program the protrusive condylar guidance angles in the articulators. The protrusive condylar guidance values registered in the articulator for the different interocclusal records were tabulated and statistically analyzed.. The mean protrusive condylar guidance values registered in the articulator was compared with two parameters obtained from the radiographic tracings -- the protrusive condylar path angle obtained with Quick setting plaster and Luxabite with the inclination of articular eminence to the Frankfort horizontal plane. From the study it was concluded that the Luxabite®(bisacrylic composite) material demonstrated better reproducibility of protrusive condylar guidance registration.than the Quick setting plaster.

Assessment of The Effects of Edentulousness on Temporomandibular Components by Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of edentulousness on the temporomandibular joint using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: In this study, CBCT images were evaluated in a total of 48 patients (24 dentulous, 24 edentulous). Ninety-six temporomandibular joint CBCT images were examined. Eminence inclination, condyle head widths and joint space were measured and statistically compared between the edentulous and dentulous groups. Results: The articular eminence inclination value the mediolateral width of the condyle and the anteroposterior width of the condyle were found significantly higher in the dentulous group than in the edentulous group. There was no significant difference between the dentulous and edentulous groups in terms of the anterior, superior and posterior joint space. Conclusion: In the edentulous patients, the articular eminence inclination value, mediolateral and anteroposterior widths of the condyle head were found to lower in comparison to the dentulous patients

Evaluation of condyle-fossa relationships in skeletal Class I malocclusion with variable degrees of deep overbite and open bite

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) position and shape between skeletal Class I subjects with different degrees of deep overbite or open bite and unaffected peers. Methods Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 90 participants, equally divided into deep bite, open bite, and control groups (DBG, OBG, and CG, respectively), were analyzed. The DBG and OBG were further subdivided into three subgroups based on the severity. Linear and angular measurements were used to determine the positional and morphological characteristics of the TMJ. Results DBG showed significantly larger superior joint space, anterior inclination of the condyle, and articular eminence inclination than CG and OBG. The severity of deep bite and open bite significantly influenced the TMJ position and morphology. Conclusion In severe deep overbite and open bite cases, there were considerable alterations in TMJ components, most likely as a result of functional demands.

Edentulism and Costen’s syndrome revision. A literature review

The aim of this review is to raise the awareness of the clinician concerning the morphological changes in the oral cavity, the temporomandibular joint, and the vestibulocochlear apparatus that take place due to chronic untreated edentulism, partial or complete, and their possible correlation to the diagnosis of Costen‘s syndrome. The physiological state of the temporomandibulolar joint and its components such as the condyle, articular eminence and capsular ligaments are going to be analyzed in correlation with the orofacial and ves- tibulocochlear changes that take place in the edentulous state. For this purpose, special focus is going to be attributed to the condylar inclination, articular eminence inclination flattening and neuroreceptor and osseous auditory conduction impairment due to the corresponding loss of vertical dimention of occlusion. It is mentioned that restoration of the vertical dimension is able to revert the symptoms and lead to complete healing after treatment with dentures. Fact that orientates into the suggestion of furthermore scientific research combining the skills between the ENT specialist and the dentist.

Evaluation of temporomandibular joint components and mandibular bone structure in ankylosing spondylitis patients

The study aimed to investigate the mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who had no signs or symptoms of TMJ-related disease and compare them with a control group. In total, 128 panoramic radiographs (63 patients with AS, 65 controls) were evaluated. Fractal analysis was conducted on the mandibular condyle (ROI1), angle of the mandible (ROI2), and the area adjacent to the mental foramen (ROI3). Articular eminence inclination (AEI) values were measured. Klemetti index (KI) evaluation of the mandibular cortex was also performed. Fractal dimension (FD) values were significantly lower in the patients with AS than the controls in ROI1 and ROI2 (P=.001), but there were no significant differences between groups for FD in ROI3, AEI, or KI (P ≥ .09). No significant differences were found in any parameters between patients with AS with different disease durations (P ≥ .06). Patients with AS displayed significantly lower FD values in condyles and the angle of the mandible and slightly lower AEI values; therefore, they should be examined routinely for TMJ disorders. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of secondary osteoporosis in patients with AS and consider its probable effects on the mandible.

Comparative Analysis of Condylar Guidance Angle Obtained by Protrusive Interocclusal Records and Radiographic Methods in Edentulous Patients: An In Vivo Study

Abstract Purpose To compare between values of condylar inclination obtained by protrusive interocclusal records using extraoral Gothic arch tracing with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, and cephalometric and panoramic radiographs in edentulous patients. Materials and Methods Horizontal condylar guidance angle (HCGA) was measured using the extraoral Gothic arch tracing, CBCT, lateral cephalogram, and orthopantomogram (OPG) in 20 patients aged between 40 and 75 years. HCGAs were determined clinically using protrusive interocclusal records and semi-adjustable articulator after extraoral Gothic arch tracing. Radiographically, Frankfort horizontal plane was marked and a straight line joining the superior-most point and the inferior-most point of posterior slope of the articular eminence (AE) was drawn till the two lines met at an intersection. The angle at this intersection depicted the AE inclination and the angle was measured. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance test, multiple comparison was done using Tukey test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was compiled for different study parameters. Result A significant difference in condylar guidance was observed among different methods (p-value &lt; 0.05), and significant positive correlations were observed among condylar guidance measured using distinct parameters. Conclusion It was concluded that horizontal condylar guidance (HCG) values with the radiographic technique were higher than the clinical method. It was observed that mean HCG values were higher by 6.4 degrees in CBCT, 6.7 degrees in OPG, and 9.9 degrees in lateral cephalogram as compared with the clinical value. It was also observed that there was a variation of condylar guidance up to 5 degrees between right and left sides.

&lt;strong&gt;The increasing risk of temporomandibular disorder and articular eminence inclination due to tooth loss&lt;/strong&gt;

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Tooth loss leads to increased biomechanical pressure in the temporomandibular joint due to changes in the functional movement pattern of the jaw, resulting in joint structure damage specifically change of the articular eminence inclination (AEI) angle, which is one of the increased risks of the temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the number and quadrants of tooth loss on TMD and the AEI. Methods: It was descriptive-analytic study using a cross sectional design. The study was done in Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) Dental hospital, conducted questionnaires and panoramic radiographic on 42 subjects aged over 18-64 years with tooth loss. Data analyzed used Chi-square analysis. Results: The prevalence of TMD on the ≥3 tooth loss group by 82.6% and the four-quadrant group by 93.8%. The prevalence of change in the AEI on the ≥3 tooth loss group was 34.8% on the flat right side, while on the left side of 26.1% was flat, and 13% was steep. Based on the number of quadrants tooth loss, the highest was on the four-quadrant group by 50% on flat right side, and on the three-quadrant group was 25% flat, 25% steep on the left side. There was a significant relationship between the number of tooth loss (p=0.023), the number of tooth loss quadrants, and TMD (p=0.016). There was no relationship between the number of tooth loss and the AEI, except for the number of tooth loss quadrants and the AEI on the right side with a significant result (p=0.017). Conclusion: There was relationship between the number of tooth loss, the number of tooth loss quadrants, and TMD and there was no relationship between the number of tooth loss and the AEI, except for the number of tooth loss quadrants and the AEI on the right side.Keywords: Edentulous; tooth loss; temporomandibular disorder; inclination of articular eminence.

Age-related variations in position and morphology of the temporomandibular joint in individuals with anterior openbite and crossbite: a multi-cross-sectional comparative study

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the age-related positional and morphological characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) between individuals with anterior openbite or crossbite and controls.MethodsThis multi-cross-sectional comparative study analysed cone-beam computed tomography images of 750 participants, equally divided into the openbite, crossbite, and control groups (OBG, CBG, and CG, respectively). Each group was further divided into five subgroups (8–11 years, 12–15 years, 16–19 years, 20–24 years, and 25–30 years). Measurements of the TMJ included the position of the condyles in their respective fossae and morphology of the condyles and fossae. Data were submitted to statistical analysis. The study adhered to the STROBE Statement checklist for reporting of cross-sectional studies.ResultsCondyles were positioned more posteriorly with increasing age in all groups, and the condylar position was more posterior in the OBG than in the CBG. The articular eminence inclination increased with age in all the groups. There were significant differences in the articular eminence inclination among the three major groups at the age of > 15 years, and the condylar path was flatter in the CBG than in the OBG.ConclusionsAge-related morphological and positional characteristics of the TMJ differed considerably among OBG, CBG and CG. Contrary to CBG, OBG was found to have relatively posterior condylar position and steeper condylar path.

Effects of conventional complete dentures and implant-supported overdentures on alveolar ridge height and mandibular bone structure: 2-year and 6-year follow-up study.

The aim of this study was to compare the changes in mandibular bone structure in edentulous patients who were rehabilitated with conventional complete dentures (CCD) and implant supported overdentures (ISO), by evaluating alveolar bone loss (ABL), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), gonion index (GI), antegonial index (AI), and articular eminence inclination (AEI). Panoramic radiographs of 63 edentulous patients using CCD, 63 edentulous patients using ISO, and 126 patients without tooth loss were evaluated. Edentulous patients had a 2-year and 6-year follow-up panoramic radiograph image. ABL (anterior, premolar, and molar regions), MCW, PMI, AI, GI, and AEI were measured in each patient. Variation between measurements was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test. Both edentulous groups showed significantly lower mean than without tooth lost group in all measures (p < 0.000). ISO group showed significantly lower mean ABL than CCD group in anterior (p = 0.000), right premolar (p = 0.005), left premolar (p = 0.005), right molar (p < 0.000), and left premolar (p < 0.000) regions in short term. ISO group showed significantly lower mean ABL than CCD group in anterior (p = 0.021), right molar (p < 0.000), and left premolar (p < 0.000) regions in long-term. There is no statistically significant difference between the CCD and ISO groups in right premolar (p = 0.200) and left premolar (p = 0.134) regions in long term. Both edentulous groups showed significantly lower mean MCW (p < 0.000), PMI (p < 0.000), AI (p < 0.000), GI (p < 0.012), and AEI (p < 0.002) than the without tooth loss group. There is no statistically significant difference between the CCD and ISO groups in terms of changes in the mean MCW, PMI, AI, GI, and AEI measurement in short and long term (p > 0.000). In the short and long term, edentulism reduced alveolar crest height, MCW, and AEI in individuals, but had no effect on PMI, AI, or GI. The use of prosthesis did not prevent the decrease of alveolar crest height, MCW, or AEI (CCP or ISO). In the short and long term, however, ISO created less ABL in the mandibular anterior and molar regions than CCD. ABL cannot be halted in edentulous people, but by using ISO instead of CCD for rehabilitation, resorption can be reduced.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE MANDIBULAR CONDYLE AND ARTICULAR EMINENCE INCLINATION, HEIGHT, AND SHAPE: A CBCT STUDY

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the articular eminence inclination and height and correlate these findings with the eminence shapes and degenerative condylar changes using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The assessments were established on CBCT images of 566 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that were included from the computer database. Age and gender were recorded for all individuals. Degenerative changes were examined in the articular surface of the condyle. The articular eminence (AE) inclination and height measurements were performed on central parasagittal slices of the TMJ. The shape of the AE was classified as box, sigmoid, flattened, and deformed. Results: The prevalence of degenerative changes in the condyle was higher in males, but no significant difference was found (p ˃ 0.05). The AE inclination and height have a relation with gender and age groups. The AE inclination and height results were greater in males (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The reduced mean values of eminence inclination and height in the +50-year-old group were detected (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Sigmoid and box-shaped articular eminence morphologies were more common. The eminence with deformed-shaped was related to two or more degenerative alterations in the condylar head. Conclusion: The degenerative condylar changes can affect eminence inclination and height by mechanical loading and changed articular dynamics. Gender and age have a significant effect on the AE morphology. The articular eminence shape is influenced by combinations of two or more degenerative changes.

The Correlation Between Morphologic Characteristics of Condyle and Glenoid Fossa with Different Sagittal Patterns of Jaw Assessed by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the morphologic characteristics of condyle and glenoid fossa in different sagittal skeletal patterns using cone-beam computed tomography. In this cross-sectional study, the lateral cephalometric and cone-beam computed tomography images of 90 patients were evaluated. The patients were categorized into three equal groups of sagittal skeletal patterns, according to the ANB angle. The greatest anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters of the mandibular condyles, as well as the angle between the long axis of the mandibular condyles and the midsagittal plane, were measured on the axial view of cone-beam computed tomography images. The anterior joint space, superior joint space, posterior joint space, articular eminence inclination, depth of the glenoid fossa, and width of the glenoid fossa were also measured on the central sagittal slices. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's post hoc test and chi-square test were performed. Patients with the skeletal Class III had a significantly higher articular eminence inclination, while Class II patients had a lower articular eminence inclination (P = .001). In Class III patients, the depth of the glenoid fossa was greater, and the width of the glenoid fossa was smaller than in the other groups (P < .01). The anterior and posterior joint space did not show any significant differences between the 3 groups. There were significant differences in some morphological characteristics of the condyle and glenoid fossa in patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns; therefore, this relationship should be considered in the treatment of these patients.

Articular Eminence Morphology of American Historic and Contemporary Populations.

ObjectivesThis study was performed to determine the values of the articular eminence inclination (AEI), the articular eminence height (AEH), and the length of the articular eminence curved line (AEL) among American prehistoric and contemporary populations.Materials and methodsThe study was carried out on 120 human dry skulls divided into 4 groups: Illinois group (IP), Kentucky group (KP), African Americans group (AAP) and American Caucasians group (ACP). Each group comprised 30 human dry skulls. Measurements of AEI (by two methods), AEH and AEL were performed using computer software on 5 sagittal sections through silicone molds of the articular eminence. The obtained results were statistically analyzed at significance level of p < 0.05.ResultsNo statistically significant differences of AEI, AEH and AEL values were obtained among American populations (IP, KP, AAP, ACP) neither by body side, sex and age (p > 0.05). The mean AEI M1 values ranged from 31.56° to 38.72°, the mean AEI M2 values ranged from 44.14° to 58.37°, the mean AEH ranged from 5.82 to 6.86 mm, and the mean AEL values ranged from 11.57 to 12.73 mm.ConclusionsAEI, AEH, AEL values are variables, but they did not differ significantly among American populations. Left-right differences as the result of natural body asymmetry were not statistically significant. Sex and age did not significantly affect the articular eminence morphology.

Temporomandibular joint in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: magnetic resonance imaging measurements and their correlation with imaging findings.

The aim of this study was to investigate the TMJ components in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to compare them with a control group based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. This study comprised an assessment of MRI measurements of 96 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) following classification criteria set by the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR). Three measurements were considered for study: condyle excursion angle (CEA), height of articular eminence (HAE) and inclination of articular eminence (IAE). All TMJs were assessed by linear measurements made by using the OnDemand 3D software. The comparison between the groups was performed by using Mann-Whitney's test. Lower measurement values were found for IAE, HAE and CEA in JIA patients (P-values < 0.001, 0.005 and < 0.001, respectively). The study showed the differences in MRI measurements between JIA patients and controls, with the former with the lowest indices.

The relation between incisal guidance angle and the growth and development of temporomandibular joint: a multi-cross-sectional retrospective study

BackgroundThe incisal guidance angle (IGA) is related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and changes to the IGA are often involved in the prosthetic and orthodontic treatment of anterior teeth. However, the influence of incisal guidance on the growth, development and remodelling of the TMJ is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate age-related morphological differences in the TMJ in subjects with different IGAs.MethodsCone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 274 patients were included (group 1, IGA < 45°; group 2, 45° ≤ IGA ≤ 60°; group 3, IGA > 60°). Each group was then divided into 4 age groups (group a, 6–12 years; group b, 13–16 years; group c, 17–25 years; group d, 26–33 years). TMJ morphology was assessed by linear measurements, angular measurements, and subjective evaluations. The IGA and occlusal plane angle were also measured.ResultsAnterior inclination of condyle (AIC) increased with age in the three IGA groups but decreased from 17 years onward in group 2 (P < 0.05). In the age groups analysis, the AIC in group 1 was smaller than that in group 3 but larger than that in group 2 (P > 0.05). Articular eminence inclination (AEI) decreased with age in group 1 (P = 0.027) but increased with age in group 3 (P = 0.053). The AEI in group 2 was larger than that in group 1 at 17–25 years (P = 0.046), and it was larger in group 3 than in group 1 at 26–33 years (P = 0.047). The IGA had a weak correlation with AEI (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe articular fossa of patients with shallower incisal guidance changed to a flatter shape with age, whereas the condylar anterior slope and articular eminence of patients with steeper incisal guidance changed towards a steeper alignment. There was a correlation between IGA and TMJ shape.

Evaluation of Articular Eminence Inclination in Normo-Divergent Subjects with Different Skeletal Classes through CBCT.

(1) We aimed to compare articular eminence inclination (AEI) in normo-divergent subjects (SN^GoGn = 32° ± 5°), with different anteroposterior sagittal skeletal classes through a cone beam computed generated tomography (CBCT). (2) In this cross-sectional study, CBCT records were retrospectively analysed. From the original sample of 52 CBCT records, 33 records of normo-divergent adult subjects were selected (11 Class I, 13 Class II and 9 Class III). On mid-sagittal section of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) on both sides, AEI was calculated by graphic method. (3) The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to evaluate any difference between AEI on both left and right sides in the three groups. No statistically significant difference was observed on either the right side (p = 0.174) or the left side (p = 0.624). (4) Articular eminence inclination seems to be not related with skeletal class. Given the lack of significance in the observed differences between AEI and skeletal classes, we believe that future studies should focus on assessing possible relationships between AEI and different vertical skeletal patterns.

Assessing the Articular Eminence Asymmetry in Dentate, Partially Edentulous and Edentulous patients Using Cone-Beam Ct.

Background and Objectives:The relationship between the articular eminence (AE) inclination and masticatory system in the biomechanics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is defined by the degree with normal values of 30°–60° obtained between the posterior wall of the AE and a horizontal reference plane. The purpose of this study was to assess the asymmetry of the AE in dentate, partially edentulous, and edentulous patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging and to compare the determined asymmetry in the dentulous with partially and completely edentulous patients.Materials and Methods:CBCT images of 120 TMJ joints in sixty patients were evaluated. AE inclination and height values were traced on the central sagittal slice of right and left TMJ. The patients were grouped as dentate, partially edentulous, and edentulous with an age range of 20–80 years. Statistical analysis included student's paired and independent t-test, analysis of variance, and Tukey's post hoc test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:AE inclination revealed highest value in dentate patients (60.98 ± 5.42) followed by partially edentulous (53.40 ± 7.91) and lowest in the edentulous patients (51.43 ± 3.63). P < 0.001 was statistically significant between these groups.Conclusion:The results obtained in the present study showed steep inclination of AE in dentate followed by partially edentulous and edentulous subjects. No significant differences among the age, gender, and sides were found.