Evaluation of condyle histogram data based on magnetic resonance imaging, condylar morphology, and disc position in...

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology and condylar histogram data using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with jaw deformities. TMJ disc positions were classified into five types: anterior disc displacement (with [AW] or without [AWO] reduction), anterior, fully covered, and posterior, using MRI. Condylar histogram data were measured preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Normalized average condylar histogram data from MRI were compared across skeletal classes and disc positions, and preoperative and postoperative data for each TMJ disc type were analyzed. Condylar morphology was also measured using computed tomography, and relationships were evaluated statistically. The normalized average of the condyle in Class II patients was significantly lower than that in Class III patients, preoperatively and postoperatively (p < 0.0001). The normalized average of the condyle (NAC) in the AWO type was significantly lower than that in the anterior, fully covered, and posterior types (p < 0.05). NAC was associated with preoperative condylar height, condylar square, and postoperative condylar square (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that the normalized average calculated from MRI histogram data may serve as an objective numerical indicator associated with TMJ morphology in patients with jaw deformities.