PURPOSE: The study was conducted to compare the radiographic and clinical methods of measuring the horizontal condylar guidance (HCG) values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The condylar guidance was measured using the radiographic (CT scan) and three clinical methods i.e. the wax protrusive records, Lucia jig record and intraoral central bearing device in 12 patients aged between 20-40 years irrespective of sex. The records were taken and transferred on the semi-adjustable articulator to record the HCG values. The CT scan was taken for 3D reconstruction of the mid facial region. Frankfort horizontal plane (FHP) and a line extending from the superior anterior most point on the glenoid fossa to the most convex point on the apex of articular eminence (AE) was marked on the CT scan. An angle between these two lines was measured on both right and left sides to obtain condylar inclination angle. Three interocclusal protrusive wax and jig records were taken and transferred to the semi adjustable articulator. Three readings were recorded on each side. Similarly the records were taken and transferred to the same articulator using the intra oral central bearing device to record the readings. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed insignificant differences in the HCG values between the right and left sides [(P=.589 (CT), P=.928 (wax), P=.625 (jig), P=.886 (tracer)]. The clinical methods provided low Pearsons correlation values [(R = 0.423 (wax), R = 0.354 (jig), R = 0.265 (tracer)] for the right as well as the left sides when compared with the CT values. Among the clinical methods, jig and wax method showed strong level of association which is statistically significant while the intra-oral tracer showed weak association with the other two methods. CONCLUSION: The right and left HCG values were almost similar. The CT scan showed higher HCG values than the clinical methods and among the clinical methods, values obtained from all the methods were comparable.
Aged ; Dental Articulators ; Humans ; Reading ; Ursidae

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a disabling disease resulting from fibrous or bony fusion of the mandibular condyle and the glenoid fossa. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are essential to prevent facial deformity and other complications. Conventional radiography has limitations in demonstrating the true extent of ankylosis. It is important for surgeons to be aware of the size and degree of bony ankylosis in order to perform complete resection of the ankylotic mass. In addition, a detailed evaluation of the relationship with adjacent vital structures such as the internal maxillary artery, inferior alveolar nerve canal, external auditory canal, and skull base are crucial to avoid iatrogenic injury. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the current imaging modality of choice for preoperative assessments. Herein, the authors propose a structured CT reporting template for TMJ ankylosis to strengthen the value of the preoperative imaging report and to reduce the rates of intraoperative complications and recurrence.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multi-level airway disease, and the specific site of obstruction may influence associated conditions such as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to explore the relationship between OSA, ETD, acid reflux, and the anatomical site of obstruction. Methods: Participants were assessed using validated questionnaires for OSA, ETD, and reflux symptoms. The site of upper airway collapse was determined objectively using apneagraphy or sleep MRI. Acid reflux symptoms were evaluated using a standardized reflux symptom questionnaire, and 24-hour pH monitoring was done when indicated. ETD was assessed both subjectively and objectively through the Toynbee maneuver. Results: Sixty-three individuals completed the evaluation. The mean age was 40.4 years, and the mean BMI was 28.1 kg/m2. Retroglossal obstruction was observed in 76.1% (48/63), while 23.9% (15/63) had retropalatal obstruction. ETD was diagnosed in 53% of participants, and GERD in 38% by objective testing. A statistically significant association was found between retroglossal collapse and complete ETD (p=0.02). However, no significant link was noted between the obstruction site and laryngopharyngeal reflux or partial ETD. Additionally, salivary pepsin levels showed no correlation with reflux (p=0.412). Conclusions: OSA is frequently accompanied by ETD and GERD. Notably, retroglossal obstruction appears to be significantly associated with complete ETD, suggesting a potential site-specific impact. These findings underscore the importance of anatomical localization in understanding OSA-related comorbidities and warrant further investigation in larger multicenter studies.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multi-level airway disease, and the specific site of obstruction may influence associated conditions such as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to explore the relationship between OSA, ETD, acid reflux, and the anatomical site of obstruction. Methods: Participants were assessed using validated questionnaires for OSA, ETD, and reflux symptoms. The site of upper airway collapse was determined objectively using apneagraphy or sleep MRI. Acid reflux symptoms were evaluated using a standardized reflux symptom questionnaire, and 24-hour pH monitoring was done when indicated. ETD was assessed both subjectively and objectively through the Toynbee maneuver. Results: Sixty-three individuals completed the evaluation. The mean age was 40.4 years, and the mean BMI was 28.1 kg/m2. Retroglossal obstruction was observed in 76.1% (48/63), while 23.9% (15/63) had retropalatal obstruction. ETD was diagnosed in 53% of participants, and GERD in 38% by objective testing. A statistically significant association was found between retroglossal collapse and complete ETD (p=0.02). However, no significant link was noted between the obstruction site and laryngopharyngeal reflux or partial ETD. Additionally, salivary pepsin levels showed no correlation with reflux (p=0.412). Conclusions: OSA is frequently accompanied by ETD and GERD. Notably, retroglossal obstruction appears to be significantly associated with complete ETD, suggesting a potential site-specific impact. These findings underscore the importance of anatomical localization in understanding OSA-related comorbidities and warrant further investigation in larger multicenter studies.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multi-level airway disease, and the specific site of obstruction may influence associated conditions such as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to explore the relationship between OSA, ETD, acid reflux, and the anatomical site of obstruction. Methods: Participants were assessed using validated questionnaires for OSA, ETD, and reflux symptoms. The site of upper airway collapse was determined objectively using apneagraphy or sleep MRI. Acid reflux symptoms were evaluated using a standardized reflux symptom questionnaire, and 24-hour pH monitoring was done when indicated. ETD was assessed both subjectively and objectively through the Toynbee maneuver. Results: Sixty-three individuals completed the evaluation. The mean age was 40.4 years, and the mean BMI was 28.1 kg/m2. Retroglossal obstruction was observed in 76.1% (48/63), while 23.9% (15/63) had retropalatal obstruction. ETD was diagnosed in 53% of participants, and GERD in 38% by objective testing. A statistically significant association was found between retroglossal collapse and complete ETD (p=0.02). However, no significant link was noted between the obstruction site and laryngopharyngeal reflux or partial ETD. Additionally, salivary pepsin levels showed no correlation with reflux (p=0.412). Conclusions: OSA is frequently accompanied by ETD and GERD. Notably, retroglossal obstruction appears to be significantly associated with complete ETD, suggesting a potential site-specific impact. These findings underscore the importance of anatomical localization in understanding OSA-related comorbidities and warrant further investigation in larger multicenter studies.