Articular eminence inclination, height, and condyle morphology on cone beam computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between articular eminence inclination, height, and thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa (RGF) according to age and gender and to assess condyle morphology including incidental findings of osseous characteristics associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).


METHODS
CBCT images of 105 patients were evaluated retrospectively. For articular eminence inclination and height, axial views on which the condylar processes were seen with their widest mediolateral extent being used as a reference view for secondary reconstruction. Condyle morphology was categorized both in the sagittal and coronal plane.


RESULTS
The mean values of eminence inclination and height of males were higher than those of females (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the RGF thickness in relation to sagittal condyle morphology. Among the group of OA, the mean value of the RGF thickness for "OA-osteophyte" group was the highest (1.59 mm), whereas the lowest RGF values were seen in the "OA-flattening."


CONCLUSIONS
The sagittal osteoarthritic changes may have an effect on RGF thickness by mechanical stimulation and changed stress distribution. Gender has a significant effect on eminence height (Eh) and inclination.
Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Bağdat Caddesi No. 238, Göztepe Kadıköy, 34728 Istanbul, Turkey.
Dilhan
D
İlgüy
Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Bağdat Caddesi No. 238, Göztepe Kadıköy, 34728 Istanbul, Turkey.
Mehmet
M
İlgüy
Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Bağdat Caddesi No. 238, Göztepe Kadıköy, 34728 Istanbul, Turkey.
Erdoğan
E
Fişekçioğlu
Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Bağdat Caddesi No. 238, Göztepe Kadıköy, 34728 Istanbul, Turkey.
Semanur
S
Dölekoğlu
Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Bağdat Caddesi No. 238, Göztepe Kadıköy, 34728 Istanbul, Turkey.
Nilüfer
N
Ersan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*