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Association between Condylar Bone Changes and Eichner Index in Patients with Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Cone
Maryam Paknahad1, Leila Khojastepour2, Salma Tabatabaei2
1Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Journal of Dentistry (Shiraz, Iran)
|March 3, 2023
Summary
The Eichner index, assessing occlusal contacts, is linked to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) bony changes. Greater tooth support loss correlates with more condylar bone alterations in TMD patients.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Radiology
- Orthodontics
Background:
- The Eichner index evaluates occlusal contacts in premolar and molar regions.
- A controversial link exists between occlusal status, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), and associated degenerative bony changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the Eichner index and condylar bone alterations in patients with TMD.
- Utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for detailed analysis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CBCT images from 107 TMD patients' temporomandibular joints (TMJs).
- Classification of dentition into Eichner index groups A, B, and C.
- Assessment of radiographic indicators of condylar bone alterations (flattening, erosion, osteophytes, sclerosis, joint mice).
- Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test.
Main Results:
- Group A was the most prevalent Eichner index group (71%).
- Condyle flattening was the most frequent radiographic finding (58%).
- Significant correlation found between Eichner index and condylar bony changes (p=0.05).
- Age was significantly related to condylar bony changes (p=0.00), but sex was not (p=0.80).
Conclusions:
- A significant relationship exists between the Eichner index and condylar bony changes in TMD patients.
- Increased loss of tooth supporting zones is associated with a higher prevalence of condylar bony alterations.
