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Published on: August 22, 2022
Skeletal Divergence and Condylar Asymmetry in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): A Retrospective Study
Maria Francesca Sfondrini1, Letizia Bolognesi1, Mario Bosco2
1Unit of Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry-Section of Dentistry-Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Introduction:
This study was aimed at evaluating the association between vertical skeletal patterns, condylar height symmetry, and temporomandibular disorders in adults.
Methods:
The study sample consisted of 200 patients (ages 18-30 years old) retrospectively recruited: 100 with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and 100 without TMD (control), diagnosed by Diagnostic Criteria for the Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). For each subject, skeletal divergence was assessed on lateral cephalograms, and condylar height symmetry was evaluated by orthopantomography (Habets' method).
Results:
Subjects with temporomandibular disorders showed a strong association with condylar asymmetry (p < 0.0001) and, for the skeletal pattern variables, hyperdivergence (p < 0.001). A correlation with the female sex was also found (p < 0.04), while there was no difference in terms of age in the 2 groups (p > 0.29).
Conclusions:
Although it does not imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the present study suggests condylar asymmetry and hyperdivergent skeletal pattern are more likely to be associated with a higher risk of temporomandibular disorder joint diseases in adult patients.
