Evaluation of skeletal changes in glenoid fossa, condylar head and articular space following fixed functional appliance therapy using cone beam computed tomography – A clinical prospective study

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate skeletal changes in glenoid fossa, condylar head and articular space following Powerscope appliance therapy using CBCT.This study included twenty patients (age group of 11-15 years) having Class II Division 1 skeletal & dental malocclusion. A pre-treatment CBCT scan (T1) of both TMJs was taken. Following leveling & aligning, Powerscope appliance was inserted, which was sequentially activated using crimpable shims until edge-to-edge bite was obtained. After completion of phase 1 of treatment, another CBCT scan (T2) was taken. Condylar position, length, height, glenoid fossa & articular space measurements were obtained from pre- & post-treatment CBCT scans and data obtained were statistically analysed and compared by Paired-t test.Comparison between T1 & T2 data showed that the condyles were shifted anteriorly by 1.08 mm, condylar length and height increased by 0.26 mm and 0.71 mm, respectively. Glenoid fossa and anterior articular space decreased by 1.50⁰ and 0.23 mm, whereas, middle and posterior articular spaces increased linearly by 2.55 mm and 1.85 mm, respectively.Powerscope shifted the condyle anteriorly, increased its length and height, and reduced the glenoid fossa angle. Anterior articular space decreased whereas middle and posterior articular spaces increased.