Degenerative changes of the mandibular condyle in relation to the temporomandibular joint space, gender and age: A multicenter CBCT study

Abstract

Background. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is used to provide multiplanar views of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bone components as well as TMJ pathologies without superposition, magnification or distortion.Objectives. The study aimed to analyze degenerative changes in the condylar surface, and their relation-ship with patient age and gender, and the TMJ space measurements by using CBCT images. Material and methods. A total of 258 individuals were retrospectively analyzed. The degenerative bone changes of the condylar head were evaluated and classified on the right and left sides. The shortest dis-tances from the anterior, superior and posterior parts of the condylar head to the glenoid fossa were mea-sured to represent the TMJ space. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses then evaluated the effect of age and gender on the presence of degenerative changes.Results. Condylar flattening was most frequently observed (413 TMJs, 53.5%). However, the presence or absence of the change types did not differ according to the sides. The mean values of the TMJ space measurements on the right and left sides were narrower in the group with changes than in the group without changes. Nonetheless, no statistically significant difference in the TMJ space was found between the groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions. An increased risk of radiographically detectable degenerative alterations in left TMJs was detected for males and for increasing age. Degenerative changes in the condylar surface may affect the dimensions of the TMJ space.