Comparison of the condyle-fossa relationship between skeletal class III malocclusion patients with and without asymmetry: a retrospective three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomograpy study.
10.4041/kjod.2013.43.5.209
- Author:
Hyoun Oak KIM
1
;
Won LEE
;
Yoon Ah KOOK
;
Yoonji KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Clinical Dental Science, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. juice@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
TMJ;
Facial asymmetry;
Class III diagnosis;
Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography;
Condyle-fossa relationship
- MeSH:
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography;
Facial Asymmetry;
Humans;
Malocclusion*;
Mandible;
Retrospective Studies*;
Temporomandibular Joint
- From:The Korean Journal of Orthodontics
2013;43(5):209-217
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condyle-fossa relationships are bilaterally symmetric in class III malocclusion patients with and without asymmetry and compared to those with normal occlusion. The hypothesis was a difference in condyle-fossa relationships exists in asymmetric patients. METHODS: Group 1 comprised 40 Korean normal occlusion subjects. Groups 2 and 3 comprised patients diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion, who were grouped according to the presence of mandibular asymmetry: Group 2 included symmetric mandibles, while group 3 included asymmetric mandibles. Pretreatment three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (3D CBCT) images were obtained. Right- and left-sided TMJ spaces in groups 1 and 2 or deviated and non-deviated sides in group 3 were evaluated, and the axial condylar angle was compared. RESULTS: The TMJ spaces demonstrated no significant bilateral differences in any group. Only group 3 had slightly narrower superior spaces (p < 0.001). The axial condylar angles between group 1 and 2 were not significant. However, group 3 showed a statistically significant bilateral difference (p < 0.001); toward the deviated side, the axial condylar angle was steeper. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the asymmetric group, the TMJ spaces were similar between deviated and non-deviated sides, indicating a bilateral condyle-fossa relationship in patients with asymmetry that may be as symmetrical as that in patients with symmetry. However, the axial condylar angle had bilateral differences only in asymmetric groups. The mean TMJ space value and the bilateral difference may be used for evaluating condyle-fossa relationships with CBCT.
