title: Novel 3-dimensional analysis to evaluate temporomandibular joint space and shape.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to present and validate a novel semiautomated method for 3-dimensional evaluation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space and condylar and articular shapes using cone-beam computed tomographic data.
  
  
  METHODS
  The protocol for 3-dimensional analysis with the Checkpoint software (Stratovan, Davis, Calif) was established by analyzing cone-beam computed tomographic images of 14 TMJs representing a range of TMJ shape variations. Upon establishment of the novel method, analysis of 5 TMJs was further repeated by several investigators to assess the reliability of the analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Principal components analysis identified 3 key components that characterized how the condylar head shape varied among the 14 TMJs. Principal component analysis allowed determination of the minimum number of landmarks or patch density to define the shape variability in this sample. Average errors of landmark placement ranged from 1.15% to 3.65%, and none of the 121 landmarks showed significant average errors equal to or greater than 5%. Thus, the mean intraobserver difference was small and within the clinically accepted margin of error. Interobserver error was not significantly greater than intraobserver error, indicating that this is a reliable methodology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This novel semiautomatic method is a reliable tool for the 3-dimensional analysis of the TMJ including both the form and the space between the articular eminence and the condylar head.
authors.affiliation: Assistant clinical professor, Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif. Electronic address: renie.ikeda.dds@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Renie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.affiliation: Professor, Division of Craniofacial Anomalies, Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.
authors.forename: Snehlata
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oberoi
authors.affiliation: President and CTO, Stratovan, Davis, Calif.
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Wiley
authors.affiliation: Senior application developer, Stratovan, Davis, Calif.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Woodhouse
authors.affiliation: Assistant professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Mich.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tallman
authors.affiliation: Resident, Division of Orthodontics, Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.
authors.forename: Wint Wint
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Tun
authors.affiliation: Professor emeritus; director, Center for Orofacial Pain, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McNeill
authors.affiliation: Professor, Division of Orthodontics, Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.
authors.forename: Arthur J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Professor, Division of Orthodontics, Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California at San Francisco; private practice, DDI Imaging Center, Sacramento, Calif.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hatcher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D063405:Anatomic Variation; D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015588:Observer Variation; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055815:Young Adult