Correlation between temporomandibular joint temporal component pneumatization and morphology: analysis by cone beam...

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Radiology
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Background:

• Pneumatization of the temporal bone, characterized by air cell development, is a common finding.
• The relationship between temporal bone pneumatization and the morphology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) remains unclear.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurate TMJ assessment and diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between temporal bone pneumatization and the morphology of the articular eminence and glenoid fossa.
• To determine if pneumatization influences key TMJ structural features.
• To provide insights for clinicians evaluating TMJ conditions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, totaling 200 TMJs.
• Evaluation of paracoronal and parasagittal TMJ images by two independent examiners.
• Classification of pneumatization and measurement of articular eminence inclination/height and glenoid fossa roof thickness.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of pneumatization: 83.5% in the mid-lateral and 88% in the anteroposterior direction.
• Female patients exhibited significantly more mid-lateral pneumatization than male patients (P=0.014).
• No statistically significant correlation was found between pneumatization and the morphology of the articular eminence or glenoid fossa (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The presence and extent of temporal bone pneumatization do not appear to influence TMJ morphology.
• Clinicians should be aware of the high prevalence of pneumatization in the TMJ.
• Consideration of pneumatization is recommended during TMJ assessments to avoid misinterpretation.