Condylar long axis and articular eminence in MRI in patients with temporomandibular disorders

Objective: To compare morphologic findings in MRI and skeletal divergence of a group of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) subdivided into condylar symmetric and asymmetric. Methods: Fifty-nine adults (26.7 years old) with TMD were retrospectively recruited. Condylar height symmetry was evaluated by orthopantomography (Habets’s method) and used to divide patients into Symmetric and Asymmetric groups; skeletal divergence was assessed on lateral cephalograms. MRI was used to evaluate the condylar long axis’ angle, the glenoid fossa morphology, and the degree of disc displacement. Results: Asymmetric subjects showed a hyperdivergent skeletal pattern (p = 0.036), asymmetric condylar long axis (p = 0.018), and deeper (p = 0.025) and asymmetric (p = 0.001) glenoid fossa compared to symmetric subjects. Conclusion: Patients with TMD and condylar asymmetry diagnosed with orthopantomography are more likely to show hyperdivergent skull in cephalometry, condylar asymmetry of both height and major axis, and a steeper glenoid fossa in MRI.