Comparison of Articular Eminence Steepness in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Disc Disorders

Yıldızer E.

Current research in dental sciences (Online), vol.33, no.2, pp.117-121, 2023 (Scopus, TRDizin)

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the articular eminence steepness in patients with temporoman- dibular joint (TMJ) disc disorders (DD) and control group patients. Methods: This study was designed retrospectively. A total of 22 patients with disc dislocation with reduction (DDWR), 26 patients with disc dislocation without reduction (DDWOR), and 24 control patients were included in the study. The steepness of the posterior slope of the articular eminence and the eminence height were measured using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. In addition, the articular eminence steep- ness was classified as steep, moderate, and flat. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of age and gender between the study groups (P >.05). Ar- ticular eminence angle measured by best-fit line and top-roof line methods was found to be significantly high- er in controls than in patients with DDWOR and in patients with DDWR, respectively (P <.05). The frequency of steep articular eminence inclination (>60º) was observed to be higher in controls than in joints with DDWOR and those with DDWR ( P >.05), respectively. There was no significant difference between patients with DD and control patients in terms of articular eminence height (P >.05). There was a significant and negative correlation between age and top-roof line method values (r = −.230, P <.05). As the age increased, the eminence inclina- tion values for the top-roof line method decreased. Conclusion: In light of the results of this study, it can be said that an increase in eminence steepness does not appear to be a causative factor but may be a factor that worsens the progression of DD.