Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Stability After Orthognathic Surgery

Ensuring that the condyle is appropriately positioned and that positional changes are minimal is considered crucial for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to function without symptoms after orthognathic surgery. The purposes of this study were to evaluate condylar changes after surgery and to examine the association between these changes and TMJ symptoms.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent orthognathic surgery. Linear and angular changes in the positioning of the condyle were measured by superimposing 3-dimensional computed tomograms taken before surgery and 3 months after surgery. Clinical symptoms of TMJ pain and sound were recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Possible associations between TMJ symptoms and clinical variables, such as postoperative condylar changes, were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Linear condylar displacement after orthognathic surgery occurred predominantly in the anterior, medial, and inferior directions, with minimal changes (<1 mm) observed. Most angular condylar changes were smaller than 4° and occurred in the inward direction in the axial plane and the posterior direction in the sagittal plane. The best predictor of postoperative TMJ signs and symptoms was the preoperative status of TMJ signs and symptoms. Neither linear nor angular condylar displacement showed a relevant influence on postoperative pain and sound.

Within the ranges of linear (<1 mm) and angular (<4°) condylar displacement noted in this study, displacement was not associated with postoperative TMJ pain and sound.