Investigation of Condyle Positions in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: The condylar position refers to the location of the mandibular condyle within the glenoid fossa when the teeth are in maximum intercuspal, and it is an important indicator of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. This study aimed to assess the condylar position of the TMJ in patients with TMJ disorder using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: The present study utilized CBCT to evaluate the condylar position of the TMJ in a sample of 56 patients. Among them, 28 patients were asymptomatic while the remaining 28 had been diagnosed with TMJ disease. To evaluate the presence of TMJ disorders, the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was employed. This diagnostic tool is widely used in clinical and research settings to assess TMJ-related pain and dysfunction. Results: The agreement was excellent, according to the intra-observer and inter-observer correlation values obtained. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and gender distribution. The results showed that the anterior and posterior joint spaces were significantly higher in the symptomatic group compared to the asymptomatic group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of superior joint space and articular eminence inclination values. Gender did not create a significant difference in any parameter. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize that CBCT images have an important role in detecting significant changes in condyle position in patients with TMJ disorders. However, further large-scale studies are necessary to validate and enhance the findings.