TMJ Howard Spatial_analysis_of_condyle_position
Background: The study aims to compare the condylar position in patients with different anteroposterior sagittal
skeletal relationships through a cone beam computed generated tomography (CBCT) imaging generated space
analysis.
Methods: This was a retrospective study of clinically justified, previously taken CBCT images of 45 subjects. Based on a
proper sample calculation, three groups of 15 CBCT images each were made according to their ANB angle and facial
pattern: class I (normo facial pattern) and class II and III (long facial pattern). The CBCT images were of adult patients
between 18 and 35 years old, with full permanent dentition at maximum occlusal intercuspidation. Anatomical
references previously used by Ricketts for the condyle position inside the glenoid fossae were measured digitally through
the EzImplant software. Analysis of variance, Tukey’s, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U statistical tests were used.
Results: The upper distance of the condyle to the glenoid fossa was smaller in the class II and class III compared with
the class I group. The anterior distance of the condyle to the articular eminence showed significant differences when
comparing the class I with the class II and class III groups. No statistically significant difference was noted in the
posterior condylar distance between the groups. The angle of the eminence showed differences between the three
groups, while the eminence height showed significant difference when comparing the class I with class III group.
Conclusions: Spatial differences existed for the condylar position in relation to the glenoid fossa for skeletal class I,
class II, and class III, but these spatial differences may not be clinically relevant.
Keywords: Condyle; Temporomandibular joint; Computed tomography; CBCT