Abstract

Background: TMJ disorders are common and often self-limited in the adult population. In epidemiologic studies, up to 75 percent of adults show at least one sign of joint dysfunction on examination and as many as one third have at least one symptom. The present study was conducted to investigate the position and shape of the condyle in patients with TMD divided into two groups (a group with disc displacement and a group with osteoarthritis) and based on their CBCT images. Materials: The present study was conducted on 45 patients (5 men and 37 women) aged 13 to 82 (with a mean age of 37.5) known by their clinical examinations to have TMD type II (disc displacement) and type III (osteoarthritis). To investigate the shape and position of the condyle and the slope of the articular eminence in the sagittal, coronal and axial planes, CBCT images were taken from the patients' TMJ on both sides at maximum dental occlusion. Results: The result of this study showed the lack of a normal distribution of the data in the quantitative analysis of the horizontal condylar position with the mouth closed (post+ante/post-ante). The compare this indicator in the RDC and the TMD groups, revealing a significant difference between the two (P=0.002). In group II, the condyle showed a greater tendency toward the posterior position. A significant relationship was found between the mediolateral condylar position (central, medial and lateral positions) and the RDC or TMD group type (P=0.02), and the condyle showed a greater tendency toward the lateral position in both groups. However, a significant relationship between the sagittal shape of the condyle and the RDC or TMD group type (P=0.02. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate that adolescent disc displacement and osteoarthritis can cause the condyle to change its position and shape in the fossa.

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