Horizontal Condylar Angulation and Condyle Position Associated with Adolescent TMJ Disk Status

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between horizontal condylar angulation and position and joint status in an adolescent population. Submentovertex (SMV) radiographs and MRI (magnetic resonance images) of 95 subjects (56 females and 39 males) between the ages of 10–17 years (mean age 13.3 years) were used for this study. Horizontal condylar angulation as well as A-P and transverse condyle position were determined in relation to a cranial base reference (a line formed between the two foramina spinosa) from SMV images. Joint status variables consisted of disk length and disk displacement measurements taken from medial, central and lateral sagittal MRI slices of each joint. Additional joint status variables were derived through a principal component analysis which was used to calculate a single disk length, disk displacement, and internal derangement variable for each joint. The results were: 1. No significant correlations(p =.05) were found between any of the joint status variables and horizontal condylar angulation; 2. Statistically significant correlations (r =.14 to.22, p =.05) were observed between certain joint status variables (anterior disk displacement in medial and central joint slices, disk displacement variable, and TMJ internal derangement variable) and transverse condyle position; and, 3. Statistically significant correlations (r = -.22 to.25; p =.05) were observed between condylar angulation and both A-P and transverse condyle position.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Philip C. Williamson

Dr. Philip C. Williamson received his D.D.S. degree in 1993 and M.Sc.(Ortho) degree in 1998 from the University of Alberta. Dr. Williamson is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, University of Alberta, and is also in private orthodontic practice.

Paul W. Major

Dr. Paul W. Major received his D.D.S., Dip.Ortho., and M.Sc. in 1980, 1986, and 1988 respectively from the University of Alberta. Dr. Major is a tenured Professor in the Division of Orthodontics and Director of the Temporomandibular Disorders Investigation Unit at the Faculty of Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, University of Alberta. Dr. Major's primary research interest is the relationship of temporomandibular disorders on craniofacial growth and orthodontic treatment outcomes.

Brian Nebbe

Dr. Brian Nebbe received his dental degree from the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) in 1988. He completed his Master of Dentistry degree in Orthodontics in 1994. In 1998 he graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Department of Medical Sciences. Dr. Nebbe's doctoral research explored the associations between temporomandibular joint internal derangement and adolescent facial morphology. Dr. Nebbe holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Orthodontics at the University of Alberta, and is an active member of the TMD Investigation Unit and a diplomat of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. His specific areas of interest include temporomandibular joint internal derangement, adolescent facial form, facial esthetics, growth and development, orthognathic treatment planning, and magnetic resonance imaging. Dr. Nebbe has recently entered private clinical orthodontic practice.

Kenneth E. Glover

Dr. Kenneth E. Glover received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Alberta and his Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry from the University of Washington. Dr. Glover is a tenured Professor in the Division of Orthodontics of the Faculty of Medicine and Oral Health Sciences at the University of Alberta and is Director of the Graduate Orthodontic Program. Dr. Glover is also an active member of the TMD Investigation Unit and the Northern Alberta Cleft Lip and Palate team and holds hospital appointments at both the Misericordia Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital.

Narasimha G. Prasad

Dr. N. G. Narasimha Prasad is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Alberta, and Director of the Department's Statistics Centre. His research interests are measurement error models, variance components models, Meta analysis, Small Area Estimation, Bootstrap, Jackknife, and other resampling plans. He is widely published in standard statistical journals, in addition to several joint publications in medical journals related to Orthodontic studies.