[Radiographic analysis of condyle position in patients with TMJ dysfunctions]

Decreased joint space is one of the basical radiographic signs of joint disease and correlation with crepitus the real clinical symptom of structural joint damage. The aim of this investigation is to find out if there is any correlation between the intrajoint condyle position and joint dysfunction symptomatology, by means of TMJ tomography evaluation. Among the patients with characteristic symptoms of TMJ dysfunction examined in our Departments, a group of hundred were tomographed (Polytom--Philips-Massiot). Thirty students not showing any anamnestic or clinical symptoms formed the control group. In the evaluation of radiographic findings we accepted the static relation between condyle and glenoid fossa in the maximal intercuspal position, where the joint space was divided in three almost equal parts. The radiographic findings of the relationship between condyle and glenoid fossa in the maximal intercuspal position are presented on with the intention of establishing the most characteristic differences between the groups. The statistical elaboration has been carried out by multivariante analysis of variance. The characteristic radiographic findings in our group of patient are: --excentric condyle position, --posterior condyle displacement and --marked asymmetry. Therefore, these findings represent efficient aid in TMJ dysfunction diagnosis, and show direction for repositioning of condyle in therapy dysfunction.