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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Temporomandibular joint morphology in cleft lip and palate: evidence from a CBCT-based volumetric analysis
Merve Yelken Kendirci1, Ahmet Faruk Erturk2, Sevde Goksel3
1Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Biruni University, Istanbul, 34015, Turkey. yelkenmerve@gmail.com.
Background:
Cleft lip and palate (CLP) may influence mandibular development and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology; however, evidence on this association in adults remains limited. This study aimed to investigate condylar and glenoid fossa morphology in adults with CLP using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods:
CBCT scans of 27 adults with CLP and 34 age- and sex-matched controls were retrospectively analyzed. Volumetric and linear measurements of the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa were obtained using ITK-SNAP software by manual segmentation. Condylar volume, height, width, and angulation, as well as fossa width and depth, were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation tests (p < 0.05).
Results:
No significant differences were observed between CLP and control groups in condylar or glenoid fossa morphology (p > 0.05). The right condyle was slightly larger than the left in both groups (p < 0.05). A strong correlation existed between right and left condylar volumes (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Analysis by cleft type showed no morphological asymmetry.
Conclusion:
Despite craniofacial variations associated with CLP, TMJ morphology remains within normal anatomical limits. The findings suggest that adaptive remodeling rather than structural deficiency preserves TMJ integrity in CLP patients. These CBCT-based data provide reference values to aid orthodontic and orthognathic treatment planning.
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