Morphometric evaluation of the temporomandibular joint on cone beam computed tomography images

Morphometric measurements of temporomandibular joint (TMJ); diagnosis and treatment of pathologies, evaluation of orthodontic treatment stages and understanding of age-related joint changes. The aim of this study is to contribute to the literature by determining the morphometric reference values of the bone structures of the TMJ on the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of individuals who had no pathologies related the tmj aged 18-65 years living in South-Eastern Anatolia. CBCT images of 171 subjects were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 35 parameters were examined 18 in sagittal section, 12 in coronal section and 5 in transverse section. Condylar process, articular tubercle, mandibular fossa, ramus of mandible, zygomatic arch and joint space were measured on 34 parameters and typed on one parameter. A statistically significant difference was found between genders in 22 parameters and joint sides in 6 parameters. When the correlation of parameters with age was examined; it was found that there was a very weak positive relationship in 9 parameters, a weak positive relationship in 1 parameter and a very weak relationship in negative direction in 2 parameters. In the diagnosis of TMJ pathologies; for comparison to before and after treatment measurements; in the planning of orthognathic surgical procedures; in the design and development of prosthetic devices it is important to know the morphometric values of TMJ. It is thought to contribute to the literature by determining the reference value ranges related to TMJ morphometry by the study.