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Published on: February 23, 2024
Evaluation of TMJ Bone Degeneration Using CBCT in Kennedy Class I and II Patients
Hakan Yulek1,2,3, Gaye Keser, Filiz Namdar Pekiner
1Marmara Tip Clinic, Istanbul, Turkiye.
Objective:
To assess temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osseous degeneration in Kennedy Class I and II partially edentulous patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Study Design:
A descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye, between January and June 2023.
Methodology:
CBCT images of 207 patients (55 males, 152 females; aged between 22 and 80 years) were retrospectively analysed. TMJ osseous degenerations were classified as flattening, erosion, depression, osteophyte formation, sclerosis, subchondral cysts, or ankylosis. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive methods and comparative tests, including chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Yates' continuity correction.
Results:
Flattening was the most prevalent degenerative change, observed in 21.3% of right and 39.1% of left TMJs. Degenerative changes were significantly more common in the left TMJ among females (59.9%) than males (41.8%, p = 0.021). In Kennedy Class I patients, the prevalence of right TMJ degeneration (51.2%) was significantly higher than in Class II patients (37.2%, p = 0.045).
Conclusion:
CBCT evaluation revealed that TMJ degenerative changes, particularly flattening, were more prevalent on the left side, significantly associated with female gender and Kennedy Class I edentulism.
Key Words:
Temporomandibular joint, Partial edentulism, Cone beam computed tomography, Kennedy classification, Temporomandibular joint disorder.
