A Study on the Size of TMD Patient's Condyle Head

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In many TMD cases, deformed and reduced condyle heads were frequently observed. This study was prepared to compare the dimensions between normal and symptomatic condyles, using MR images. MATERIALS One hundred and twenty one patients with clinical signs and MRI-confirmed diagnosis of disc displacement were selected for this study. Thirty eight TMJs from nineteen asymptomatic volunteers who had no clinical symptoms and no disc displacement on sagittal and coronal view of MRI, were served as normal. METHODS: Symptomatic condyles were classified according to the severity of the anterior disc displacement. The amount of anterior disc displacement was evaluated at sagittal section, and they were classified into 4 groups as normal(N), little(G0), mild(G1), moderate(G2) and severe displacement(G3). The dimentions of condyle were measured at the 200% magnified view, by digitizing program. All dimensions were compared among each groups on the central section of sagittal and coronal views, and the statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean value of anteroposterior length of normal condyle was 0.79+/-0.13cm at sagittal section and mediolateral length was 2.12+/-0.22cm on coronal section. The mean value of anteroposterior length of symptomatic condyle was 0.67+/-0.16cm at sagittal section and mediolateral length was 1.97+/-0.28cm on coronal section. CONCLUSIONS: The size of symptomatic condyle was smaller than normal TMJ. The size of condyle was decreased as the amount of the disc displacement was increased. The dimensional change was found on the anterior articular surface of condyle at the mild or moderate disc displacement. And at the case of severe disc displacement, dimensional change was found on the superior articular surface.