Sonographic evaluation of the ranges of condylar translation and of temporomandibular joint space as well as first comparison with symptomatic joints.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the normal ranges of condylar translation and width of the lateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of a healthy population by sonography and permit comparison of findings made in individual patients using this norm.


METHODS
Fifty non-orthodontically treated, asymptomatic volunteers (100 joints) were subdivided by Angle classes (I = 20, II = 15, III = 15) and evaluated. Reliability was assessed in 15 of those volunteers. The validity was checked in 8 more patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), all class II with disc dislocation diagnosed by means of MRI. Sonographic assessment of condylar translation from centric occlusion to maximum opening and during protrusion and mediotrusion was performed with a probe positioned parallel to the zygomatic arch.


RESULTS
Translation during opening was 12.7+/-3.2 mm in class I, 12.9+/-3.3 mm in class II and 10.9+/-3.6 mm in class III. Protrusive translation was 7.4+/-2.5 mm/10.3+/-4.4 mm/6.8+/-2.1mm, respectively; and mediotrusive translation was 7.9+/-2.6 mm/10.8+/-3.4 mm/6.7+/-2.4 mm, respectively. Class II had longer and class III shorter condylar translations. The lateral joint space in occlusion and protrusion was wider in class II than in classes I and III. Symptomatic patients had shorter condylar translations than asymptomatic volunteers.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with class II had a more anteroposterior mobility, class III shorter translation. Significant sonographic differences of condylar translation from the norm did not correspond with clinical findings. This demonstrates the higher sensitivity of sonography for the evaluation of individual condylar translation. It is a sensitive tool for assessing joint function.
Landes
Constantin A
CA
Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Medical Centre, Frankfurt, Germany. c.landes@lycos.com
Sader
Robert
R
D000328:Adult; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008311:Malocclusion, Angle Class I / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014463:Ultrasonography