Adolescent female craniofacial morphology associated with advanced bilateral TMJ disc displacement

The aim of this study was to determine if cephalometric measurement differences occurred between two groups of similarly aged female adolescents which differed with respect to their diagnoses of temporomandibular joint disc position on magnetic resonance images (MRI). One group consisted of 17 female adolescents exhibiting complete bilateral disc displacement affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), while the second group of 17 female adolescents was diagnosed as having bilateral normal disc position on MRI. Independent sample t-tests identified statistically significant differences in cephalometric measurements between the two groups, but no age difference between the two groups was evident. The group with bilateral total disc displacement exhibited the following significant angular differences from the group with normal disc position: an increased mandibular and palatal plane relative to sella-nasion; posterior rotation of the mandible as illustrated by an increased angle between the posterior border of the mandibular ramus and sella-nasion; and a decrease in Rickett's facial axis. Significant differences in linear cephalometric variables were also evident between the two groups. Total posterior facial height and ramus height were reduced in the totally disc displaced group. Furthermore, a slight increase in the middle anterior facial height was noted, with a decrease in the posterior cranial base vertical height in the totally disc displaced group.