Three-dimensional volumetric analysis of the temporomandibular joint space using a standard conical object

The objective was to present a novel method for the assessment of the temporomandibular joint space volume (TMJSV) in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations with TMJ region landmarks. The significance of differences in measurements of mandibular head width (MHW) and volume (MHV) as well as TMJSV was calculated comparing right vs. left sides and males vs. females.

CBCT images from 50 Angle Class I adults were evaluated using 3D image software. MHW and MHV were obtained from each TMJ. The representative TMJSV was found through Boolean subtraction using a standard conical object in .stl format. Paired t-tests were used to compare right and left sides. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between numerical variables. Student t-tests were used to compare MHW, MHV, and TMJSV between males and females. P < .05 indicated significant difference.

The right and left mean MHW, MHV, and TMJSV values were 19.46 and 19.47 mm, 1431.51 and 1401.39 mm³, and 475.51 and 461.13 mm³, respectively, with no significant differences between sides (P ≥ .381). Correlation of these measurements with ipsilateral and contralateral values was moderate to strong (.70 - .89). Males presented higher mean values for all measurements (P ≤ .023).

The results are comparable to those of other studies, indicating the reliability of our method as a nuanced analysis of the intricate TMJ anatomy.