OBJECTIVEThis study investigates the effect of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) on different stages of condylar three-dimensional position and provides a theoretical basis for clinical application.

METHODSThe cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 108 TMJOA patients were analyzed and divided into four stages based on the stage standard of osteoarthrosis X-ray performance proposed by Xuchen Ma in 2005. A total of 28 defect-free temporomandibular joint disorders were used as the control group. Differences in condylar position and condylar axis horizontal angle were evaluated and compared.

RESULTSNo significant differences were found in terms of sagittal relationship, but condylar axis horizontal angle showed a significant difference (F = 3.872, P = 0.005). The horizontal angle values of stage 1 in the TMJOA group were lower than those in stages 2 and 3 (P = 0.027, P = 0.000), whereas the horizontal angle values of stage 2 and control groups were lower than those of stage 3 group (P = 0.004, P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONCondylar horizontal angle differed in each stage of TMJOA, but no significant difference between the parasagittal positions of the condyles was observed in each stage.