RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the individual anatomical features of the temporomandibular joint structures affected by TMJ disorders and compare them with those of asymptomatic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 41 patients. The study group included 29 patients. The retroposition of the right mandibular head was observed in 16 patients, the anterior position of the right mandibular head - in 13 patients, the retroposition of the left mandibular head - in 19 patients, and the anterior position of the left mandibular head - in 10 patients. The control group consisted of 12 patients with an anterior or central position of the right and left mandibular heads. RESULTS: Results: In the study group, a comparative analysis of the ABC angle on the right and left sides found no statistically significant difference in Student's criterion (p=0.176). In the control group, a comparative analysis of the ABC angle on the right and left sides found no statistically significant difference in Student's criterion (p=0.131). To identify a possible difference in the inclination of the articular tubercle in the study and control groups (anterior position of the mandibular head), calculations were carried out and when comparing two related samples using Wilkinson's T-criteria, the difference is not statistically significant p=0.119. The mean values obtained using Student's criterion did not reveal any statistically significant difference between both groups, Ñ*=0,811. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: A comparative analysis of the ABC angle in patients with TMJ dysfunction and the control group did not reveal any statistically significant difference. At the same time, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with the anterior and posterior position of the mandibular head.
