[Roentgencraniometric analysis of the angular craniofacial dimensions in subjects with temporomandibular disorders]

Anomalies in growth and development of the craniofacial skeleton, particularly of vertical dysplasia, may be accompanied by distinct signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. Vertical dysplasia followed by numerous occlusal disturbances alters muscular activity resulting in non-physiological strain on articular structures and their remodelling.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a possible assocciation between certain morphologic features of the craniofacial skeleton and the presence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in young adults with preserved natural dentition.

The investigation was carried out on 30 lateral cephalometric radiographs made of 30 subjects with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. According to the values of the ANB angle (Steiner cephalometric analysis), all subjects were classified in the skeletal class 1. The control group consisted of 50 lateral cephalometric radiographs made of subjects with the skeletal class 1 without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. The roentgencraniometric analysis of lateral cephalometric radiographs included the evaluation of 20 angular dimensions.

The result of this study points at significant differences between the Bolton standards and the following angular dimensions in subjects with temoromandibular disorders: (S-Na)-Pg, (B-Na)-Pg, (Pns-Ans)-(Go-Gn), Occl-i, (S-Na)-i, (S-Na)-(Go-Me), (Go-Me)-i, SNB. The comparative analysis between the subjects of the experimental and the control group revealed significant differences in the values of the following angular dimensions: OccP-(Go-Po) i (S-N)-(Go-Me) at the level of p < 0.001.

The values of the analysed angular dimensions in both subjects of the experimental and the control group show significant differences when related to the same angular dimensions in the Bolton standards. This can be explained by specific morphologic features of the craniofacial skeleton in subjects of our population. Small number of significant differences in the values of the examined angular variables between the subjects with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and subjects without such signs/symptoms can be explained by the fact that the study included young persons with the skeletal class 1 jaw relationships and relatively harmonious relations within the orofacial complex.