Correlation Between Tinnitus and Petrotympanic Fissure Status Among Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between tinnitus and petrotympanic fissure (PTF) subtypes in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).


METHODS
One hundred patients with TMD (50 with tinnitus, 50 without tinnitus) were evaluated retrospectively using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images were analyzed according to PTF subtype diagnosis (types 1 to 3). PTF structure was classified as type 1 (wide tubular formation), type 2 (double conical structure), or type 3 (single conical structure).


RESULTS
Although there was a negative correlation between tinnitus and PTF type (P < .001), there was no correlation between age and tinnitus or between age and subtype of PTF. There was no significant association between gender and tinnitus or PTF type (P > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
A short, wide PTF (type 1) might be associated with an increased incidence of tinnitus in patients with TMD.
Associate Professor, Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. Electronic address: bcakur@atauni.edu.tr.
Binali
B
Çakur
Research Assistant, Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
Yasin
Y
Yaşa
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult