Comparison of mandibular morphology between patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and asymptomatic normal subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To compare mandibular morphology between an asymptomatic normal group and a temporomandibular osteoarthritis group.


METHODS
The study sample consisted of 39 patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis screened by computed tomography and 44 asymptomatic normal subjects. Panoramic radiographs were taken of all subjects. Linear and angular panoramic measurements were taken of the groups' mandibular characteristics, and a t test was used to compare them.


RESULTS
The condylar head and condylar and ramal height of the osteoarthritic joints were significantly shorter than in the control group. Moreover, the gonial angles were significantly larger, and the condylar head showed a more distal inclination in the arthritic group. The unilaterally osteoarthritic patients showed significant differences between the affected and contralateral sides of the condylar head and condylar height and the condylar head angle.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study shows that the condylar head and condylar height were shorter, and the condylar head was more distally inclined in osteoarthritic joints.
Cho
Bong Hae
BH
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, College of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea.
Ahn
Yong Woo
YW
Jung
Yun Hoa
YH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult