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

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a correlation exists between temporal bone pneumatization and the morphology of the articular eminence and glenoid fossa. A sample of 100 cone beam computed tomography scans was used, for a total of 200 temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Paracoronal and parasagittal images of the TMJ were evaluated by two examiners. For all TMJ, pneumatization was classified in the mid-lateral direction using a score of 0 or 1, and in the anteroposterior direction using a score ranging from 0 to 3. The inclination and height of the articular eminence and the thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa were obtained. Pneumatization was found in the mid-lateral direction in 83.5% of the cases and in the anteroposterior direction in 88%. The age of the patient and side did not influence the prevalence or degree of pneumatization (P=0.051-0.953), but female patients showed more pneumatization in the mid-lateral direction than male patients (P=0.014). The presence of pneumatization did not affect articular eminence and mandibular fossa morphology. It is concluded that the presence and extent of pneumatization of the TMJ temporal component does not affect its morphology. However, professionals should be aware of the high prevalence of pneumatization and take this into account when performing TMJ assessment.