Prevalence and variations of pneumatized articular eminence: a study from Turkey

Pneumatized articular eminence or tubercule (PAT) is an air cell cavity in the zygomatic process of the temporal bone that is similar to air cells in the mastoid process and ethmoid bone. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and variations of PAT among an outpatient dental clinic population at Ankara University, Turkey, to make a contribution to the few current studies about PAT.

A total of 1006 panoramic radiographs were retrospectively investigated for the prevalence and radiographic features of PAT. Meta-analysis was done for 4 large case series in the literature and our case series. Furthermore, we performed Chi-square test to evaluate age, gender, localization, and prevalence differences among 5 case series including ours.

PAT was found in 19 (1.88%) patients with a mean age of 36.6 (SD 21.06) years. Twelve cases (63.1%) occurred in females and 7 cases (36.9%) occurred in males. Bilateral PAT was found in 7 patients (36.9%). Meta-analysis of 5 large case series revealed a total of 6669 patients, of whom 115 had PAT (1.76% prevalence) occurring over an age range of 7 to 90 years. Fifty (43.47%) occurred in males and 65 (56.53%) occurred in females. Bilateral PAT was found in 28 (24.34%) patients. The result of Chi-square test showed no statistically significant differences among the 5 studies with respect to age, gender, localization, and prevalence.

Knowledge about these structures is helpful for the interpretation of imaging such as panoramic radiographs and provides valuable information to understand the spread and differential diagnosis of pathological entities in this region. Moreover, clinicians who are planning to perform temporomandibular joint surgery are advised to assess radiographic imaging thoroughly before the surgery to avoid intra-operative complications and reconstruction.