Effect of lateral cranial base surgery on temporomandibular joint function

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function in patients who experienced lateral cranial base tumor surgery was evaluated by a comparison of recordings of condylar movement in right and left parasagittal planes during opening and protrusive movements. The characteristic tracing and measurements of mandibular movements at the condyle of six patients after surgery were compared with a nonsurgical asymptomatic control group consisting of 16 subjects. Of the six surgical patients, three patients had the condyles disarticulated and rearticulated, and three patients had condyles surgically resected. The data gathered through computerized axiographic tracings of horizontal condylar inclinations at different intervals showed significant interaction effects among right and left sides within the groups (p 0.001). Medical histories and clinical examinations were used to diagnose or rule out the presence of TMJ disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional computerized tomograms (CT) imaging of the TMJs of these patients were investigated. MRI and CT scans illustrated the static detail and morphology of the TMJs. Computerized axiography revealed the dynamic detail and function of the TMJs in the various mandibular movements. The study of condylar pathways during opening and protrusive movements showed variations of mandibular deviation among patients having cranial base surgery. Increased mandibular deviation was found in patients who experienced resected condyles.