Imaging of temporomandibular joint: approach by direct volume rendering.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to conduct a morphological analysis of the temporomandibular joint, a highly specialized synovial joint that permits movement and function of the mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have studied the temporom-andibular joint anatomy, directly on the living, from 3D images obtained by medical imaging Computed Tomography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance acquisition, and subsequent re-engineering techniques 3D Surface Rendering and Volume Rendering. Data were analysed with the goal of being able to isolate, identify and distinguish the anatomical structures of the joint, and get the largest possible number of information utilizing software for post-processing work. RESULTS: It was possible to reproduce anatomy of the skeletal structures, as well as through acquisitions of Magnetic Resonance Imaging; it was also possible to visualize the vascular, muscular, ligamentous and tendinous components of the articular complex, and also the capsule and the fibrous cartilaginous disc. We managed the Surface Rendering and Volume Rendering, not only to obtain three-dimensional images for colour and for resolution comparable to the usual anatomical preparations, but also a considerable number of anatomical, minuter details, zooming, rotating and cutting the same images with linking, graduating the colour, transparency and opacity from time to time. CONCLUSION: These results are encouraging to stimulate further studies in other anatomical districts.

The arterial blood supply of the temporomandibular joint: an anatomical study and clinical implications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze three-dimensional images of the arterial supply to the temporomandibular joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (five men and five women, mean age 36 years) without signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scanning with intravenous contrast, were studied. The direct volume rendering technique of CT images was used, and a data set of images to visualize the vasculature of the human temporomandibular joint in three dimensions was created. After elaboration of the data through post-processing, the arterial supply of the temporomandibular joint was studied. RESULTS: The analysis revealed the superficial temporal artery, the anterior tympanic artery, the deep temporal artery, the auricular posterior artery, the transverse facial artery, the middle meningeal artery, and the maxillary artery with their branches as the main arterial sources for the lateral and medial temporomandibular joint. CONCLUSION: The direct volume rendering technique was found to be successful in the assessment of the arterial supply to the temporomandibular joint. The superficial temporal artery and maxillary artery ran along the lateral and medial sides of the condylar neck, suggesting that these arteries are at increased risk during soft-tissue procedures such as an elective arthroplasty of the temporomandibular joint.

Manual therapy of the mandibular accessory ligaments for the management of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Temporomandibular joint disorders are characterized by chronic or acute musculoskeletal or myofascial pain with dysfunction of the masticatory system. Treatment modalities include occlusal splints, patient education, activity modification, muscle and joint exercises, myofascial therapy, acupuncture, and manipulative therapy. In the physiology of the temporomandibular joint, accessory ligaments limit the movement of the mandible. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy of accessory ligaments is necessary for good clinical management of temporomandibular joint disorders. Although general principles regarding the anatomy of the ligaments are relatively clear, very little substantiated information on the dimension, orientation, and function of the ligaments has been published, to the authors' knowledge. The authors review the literature concerning the accessory ligaments of the temporomandibular joint and describe treatment options, including manual techniques for mobilizing the accessory ligaments.

[Celiac disease and malocclusion]. / Malattia celiaca e malocclusione.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, caused by a permanent intolerance to gluten, that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. It causes enteropathy. In these individuals a prolonged exposure to gluten increases the risk of developing other pathologies, which may affect both developing dentition and oral mucosa. Clinical presentations are various and atypical. Celiac patients may have enamel hypoplasia, higher prevalence of dental caries, delayed eruption of teeth and lower jaw growth. These factors predispose to malocclusion.

MMP-2, MMP-9, and iNOS expression in human dental pulp subjected to orthodontic traction.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that some metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) enzymes in dental pulp samples do not vary when subjected to orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human dental pulps were taken from male and female patients (N=10; age 10-14 years). A straight wire technique was used with nickel-titanium or steel archwires. The increase of pressure applied on teeth was gradual. Five patients were subjected to premolar extractions after 14 months of treatment and one after 24 months. Samples were Bouin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and afterwards processed for immunohistochemistry using anti-MMP-2, anti-MMP-9, and anti-iNOS antibodies. RESULTS: A reduction of MMP-2, MMP-9, and iNOS expression occurred in treated samples. This became more evident with increased treatment time. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis is rejected. The reduction of expression of those proteins revealed a time-dependent relationship.

Condylar growth after non-surgical advancement in adult subject: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A defect of condylar morphology can be caused by several sources. CASE REPORT: A case of altered condylar morphology in adult male with temporomandibular disorders was reported in 30-year-old male patient. Erosion and flattening of the left mandibular condyle were observed by panoramic x-ray. The patient was treated with splint therapy that determined mandibular advancement. Eight months after the therapy, reduction in joint pain and a greater opening of the mouth was observed, although crepitation sounds during mastication were still noticeable. CONCLUSION: During the following months of gnatologic treatment, new bone growth in the left condyle was observed by radiograph, with further improvement of the symptoms.

The relationship between the stomatognathic system and body posture.

In recent years, many researchers have investigated the various factors that can influence body posture: mood states, anxiety, head and neck positions, oral functions (respiration, swallowing), oculomotor and visual systems, and the inner ear. Recent studies indicate a role for trigeminal afferents on body posture, but this has not yet been demonstrated conclusively. The present study aims to review the papers that have shown a relationship between the stomatognathic system and body posture. These studies suggest that tension in the stomatognathic system can contribute to impaired neural control of posture. Numerous anatomical connections between the stomatognathic system's proprioceptive inputs and nervous structures are implicated in posture (cerebellum, vestibular and oculomotor nuclei, superior colliculus). If the proprioceptive information of the stomatognathic system is inaccurate, then head control and body position may be affected. In addition, the present review discusses the role the myofascial system plays in posture. If confirmed by further research, these considerations can improve our understanding and treatment of muscular-skeletal disorders that are associated with temporomandibular joint disorders, occlusal changes, and tooth loss.

The relationship between the stomatognathic system and body posture: [review]

In recent years, many researchers have investigated the various factors that can influence body posture: mood states, anxiety, head and neck positions, oral functions (respiration, swallowing), oculomotor and visual systems, and the inner ear. Recent studies indicate a role for trigeminal afferents on body posture, but this has not yet been demonstrated conclusively. The present study aims to review the papers that have shown a relationship between the stomatognathic system and body posture. These studies suggest that tension in the stomatognathic system can contribute to impaired neural control of posture. Numerous anatomical connections between the stomatognathic system's proprioceptive inputs and nervous structures are implicated in posture (cerebellum, vestibular and oculomotor nuclei, superior colliculus). If the proprioceptive information of the stomatognathic system is inaccurate, then head control and body position may be affected. In addition, the present review discusses the role the myofascial system plays in posture. If confirmed by further research, these considerations can improve our understanding and treatment of muscular-skeletal disorders that are associated with temporomandibular joint disorders, occlusal changes, and tooth loss.

Binocular motility system and temporomandibular joint internal derangement: a study in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular convergence defects have been confirmed in adults with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, but few studies of the relationship of the oculomotor apparatus to TMJ disc displacement have been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of disc displacement on the oculomotor capacity of the eyes in adults. METHODS: Fifty symptomatic patients with bilateral TMJ disc displacement (13 men, 37 women; mean age, 28.84 +/- 8.22 years; range, 18-40 years) were compared with the same number of asymptomatic volunteers with normal disc position (14 men, 36 women; mean age, 29.96 +/- 5.04 years; range, 18-37 years). All subjects underwent standardized clinical examinations, bilateral TMJ magnetic resonance imaging, and sensorial and motor orthoptic tests by an orthoptist. RESULTS: Subjects with TMJ disc displacement had alterations in binocular function, including reductions in convergence (P <0.023) and positive fusional vergence (break point [P <0.046] and recovery point [P <0.045]) compared with those with normal disc positions. CONCLUSIONS: Significant alternations in binocular function were seen in patients with TMJ disc displacement compared with healthy control subjects.

Human temporomandibular joint morphogenesis.

Temporomandibular joint morphogenesis was studied. Ranging in age of fetuses examined was from 6 to14 weeks' gestation. Our results showed the condyle so first element that appear between 6 degrees and 8 degrees week (condylar blastema). After a week appear temporal elements. Disk appear at the same time of glenoid blastema and it reaches an advanced differentation before of the condyle and temporal element, so these don't effect machanical compression on mesenchyma where we find the disk. So we think that the disk result of genetic expression and it isn't the result of mechanical compression. The inferior joint cavity appear to 12 week. The superior joint cavity appear to 13-14 week. In conclusion, the appearance of the condyle is the first event during TMJ morphogenesis, with its initial bud, in form of a mesenchymal thickening, becoming detectable between the sixth and eight week of development, when all the large joints of the limbs are already well defined.