Axial temporomandibular joint morphology: a correlative study of radiographic and gross anatomic findings

In degenerative diseases of the temporomandibular joint the mandibular condyle demonstrates changes in contour, including flattening and enlargement, resulting in an increased diameter of the articular surface. The purpose of this study was to determine if such alterations in the shape of the mandibular condyle can be visualized in submentovertex (axial) radiographs and correlated with pathologic changes of the temporomandibular joint. Submentovertex radiographs of 18 human cadaver specimens were made. The radiographic condylar dimensions, morphologic condylar outline, and angle of the condylar axis with respect to the transmeatal line were determined. The specimens were dissected and disarticulated, and radiographic findings were compared to anatomic structure. Osseous abnormalities were found in 21 of the 36 joints studied (58%). Perforations of the disk were found in nine of 31 joints (29%) investigated. No statistically significant differences between the normal condyles and condyles displaying osseous abnormalities were found in any of the radiographic parameters studied.