Dimensional and Positional Associations between the Mandibular Condyle and Glenoid Fossa: A Three-dimensional Cone-beam Computed Tomography-based Study
Abeer A. Almashraqi
Abstract
AIM: This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the dimensional and positional associations between the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa (GF) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy female subjects [140 temporomandibular joints (TMJs)] were divided into two groups. Group I included 35 subjects with normal facial profiles (NFPs) in which the soft tissue glabella, subnasal point, and the soft tissue chin are almost in the same straight line, while the 35 subjects in group II had abnormal facial profiles (AFPs) in which the same imaginary line is either convex or concave indicating variation from standard norms. Three-dimensional volume analyses were performed on CBCT images by digitizing all landmarks in three orthogonal planes to measure the dimensional and positional parameters of the condyle and GF. Then the Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to identify associations between different condyle and GF parameters. RESULTS: values ranged from 0.000 to 0.015). CONCLUSION: There is a strong association between the mandibular condyle and GF in both positional and dimensional measurements in patients with normal and abnormal facial profiles. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the associations between the mandibular condyle and GF facilitates optimization of the treatment outcomes by increasing occlusal harmony and stability after orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery, or any prosthetic replacement.