A method for quantitatively determining temporomandibular joint bony relationships.
The spatial relationship of the mandibular condyle to the temporal component of the TMJ is determined quantitatively from lateral tomograms using a new method of measuring specific areas of the joint space. Condyle position along the posteroanterior axis of the joint is expressed as a ratio of the posterior joint space area divided by the anterior joint space area (the P/A ratio). A description of the method, as used in a clinical evaluation of 50 asymptomatic tMJs, and a statistical evaluation of the method's reproducibility and accuracy are given. The method was found to have both high reproducibility and high accuracy.
D000328:Adult; D000703:Analog-Digital Conversion; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray