Evaluation of pneumatic cavities surrounding temporomandibular joint by cone beam computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to detect the prevalence and characteristics of pneumatization in the roof of the glenoid fossa (PRGF) and articular eminence (PAT) by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

CBCT images of 378 patients (756 TMJ) were analyzed to determine the PRGF and PAT. Twenty-eight patients were excluded due to some reasons such as trauma, degeneration, previous surgical operation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Pneumatization was detected in 297 of 350 patients, but not pneumatization in 53 patients. Age, gender, laterality (unilateral, bilateral) and lacunarity (unilacunar, multilacunar) were recorded. Unilateral types were also noted as right and left localization. Chi-square test was used to evaluate relationship between pneumatization and gender, lacunarity and laterality.

PRGF and/or PAT were diagnosed in 491 (70%) TMJ components whom 178 (51%) were male and 172 (49%) were female with mean age of 40.38±18.34 years. In total, 103 (35%) of the patients had unilateral and 194 (65%) patients had bilateral pneumatization.

CBCT provides reliable and precise images to detect pneumatization surrounding TMJ structure in comparison to 2D images. Evaluation of TMJ components accurately before surgical intervention is crucial to prevent complication or increase the success of therapy.