Correlation between Temporomandibular Joints and Craniocervical Posture in Patients with Bilateral Anterial Disc Displacement

Abstract

Abstract Objective To study the changes of temporomandibular joint and craniocervical posture in adult patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement, and to explore their correlation, which may provide some clinical value for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. Methods Ninety-eight adult patients were divided into 3 groups: 29 patients in control group, 33 patients in bilateral Anterior Disc Displacement With Reduction group and 36 patients in bilateral Anterior Disc Displacement Without Reduction group. Dolphin and Uceph software were used to measure 14 items of temporomandibular joint and 11 items of craniocervical posture for comparison and correlation analysis between groups. Results There were significant differences in bilateral joint space between the anterior disc displacement group. Compared with the control group, the anteroposterior diameter of the condyle was significantly reduced, the condyle was significantly displaced posteriorly and superiorly, but the joint fossa width and joint fossa depth did not change significantly. Cervical curvature and inclination were greater in patients with anterior disc displacement than controls, indicating that the craniocervical posture of adult patients with anterior disc displacement was extended and protrusive. Conclusion Anterior displacement of articular disc can displace the condyle upwards and posteriorly and reduce the diameter of condyle, and then make the condyle closer to the wall of articular fossa to induce joint symptoms. Anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint can significantly affect craniocervical postural position, which may be related to compensate for the effects of airway space.