Intercondylar distances of the human temporomandibular joints

In a sample which included subjects of the Croatian population we made measurements of intercondylar distances between the temporomandibular joints in radiographs. A total of 101 subjects of both sexes ranging in age from 20 to 80 years, mostly residents in Zagreb, were evaluated. We measured the intercondylar distances from the condyle centers in the postero-anterior cranial radiographs which had previously been examined and traced on acetate paper. The measuring points were digitized prior to measurements. A special system of coordinates was devised for each radiograph. The results of our measurements were assessed by ANOVA analysis. The intercondylar distance between the two temporomandibular joints was within the range of 110 and 145 mm, with the mean of 126 mm. In men the intercondylar distance was within the range of 116 and 145 mm, with the mean of 130.2 mm. In women the distance ranged from 110 to 138 mm, with the mean of 123.5 mm. There was a significant difference between the two sexes. From a review of the literature, it is apparent that the results of our measurements do not support the results of similar studies assessed by a number of researchers in other countries. The intercondylar distance in the Croatian sample was 5.25% larger than the maximal values of the same parameters in other populations suggesting larger craniofacial skeletons. The development of this radiographic assessment method should improve evaluation of subjects seeking treatment.