Skeletal Divergence and Condylar Asymmetry in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): A Retrospective Study
Maria Francesca Sfondrini, Letizia Bolognesi, Mario Bosco, Paola Gandini, Andrea Scribante
Abstract
Introduction . This study was aimed at evaluating the association between vertical skeletal patterns, condylar height symmetry, and temporomandibular disorders in adults. Methods . The study sample consisted of 200 patients (ages 18–30 years old) retrospectively recruited: 100 with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and 100 without TMD (control), diagnosed by Diagnostic Criteria for the Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). For each subject, skeletal divergence was assessed on lateral cephalograms, and condylar height symmetry was evaluated by orthopantomography (Habets’ method). Results . Subjects with temporomandibular disorders showed a strong association with condylar asymmetry ( p < 0.0001) and, for the skeletal pattern variables, hyperdivergence ( p < 0.001). A correlation with the female sex was also found ( p < 0.04), while there was no difference in terms of age in the 2 groups ( p > 0.29). Conclusions . Although it does not imply a direct cause‐and‐effect relationship, the present study suggests condylar asymmetry and hyperdivergent skeletal pattern are more likely to be associated with a higher risk of temporomandibular disorder joint diseases in adult patients.