title: Evaluation of the superior semicircular canal morphology using cone beam computed tomography: a possible correlation for temporomandibular joint symptoms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to assess the superior semicircular canal (SSCC) morphology and to determine whether superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) correlates with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical data and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 175 patients were retrospectively examined by 2 observers. Distribution and thickness measurements of the different types of bone cover of the SSCC were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five radiologic SSCC patterns were identified from CBCT data: 147 cases (42%) were defined as normal (0.6-1.7 mm thickness); 62 cases (17.71%) had a papyraceous pattern (<0.5 mm); 77 cases (22%) showed a thick pattern (>1.8 mm); and 42 cases (12%) had a pneumatized pattern. Observer 1 and 2 diagnosed SSCD in 22 of 350 (6.28%) temporal bones individually and had no discordances between the 2 reviews. All patients with SSCD were identified as having TMJ signs and symptoms (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maxillofacial radiologists should be informed about these structures, which can be helpful for the interpretation of CBCT scans.
authors: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address: mhakankurt@yahoo.com.
authors: Hakan
authors: H
authors: Kurt
authors: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, Mersin, Turkey.
authors: Kaan
authors: K
authors: Orhan
authors: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, Mersin, Turkey.
authors: Secil
authors: S
authors: Aksoy
authors: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Sebnem
authors: S
authors: Kursun
authors: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Dentistry, Tokat, Turkey.
authors: Nihat
authors: N
authors: Akbulut
authors: Department of Anatomy, Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Burak
authors: B
authors: Bilecenoglu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology