A comparative study of the skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint of children and adults

• Main Authors: Meng F, Liu Y, Hu K, Zhao Y, Kong L, Zhou S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2008-01-01
• Series: Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
• Subjects: Comparison; skeletal morphology; temporo-mandibular joint
• Online Access: http://www.jpgmonline.com/article.asp?issn=0022-3859;year=2008;volume=54;issue=3;spage=191;epage=194;aulast=Meng
• ISSN: 0022-3859; 0972-2823

<b>Background:</b> The skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is constantly remodeled. <b>Aims and Objectives:</b> A comparative study was undertaken to determine and characterize the differences in the skeletal morphology of TMJ of children and adults. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study was conducted on 30 children cadavers and 30 adult volunteers. Parameters that could reflect TMJ skeletal morphology were measured with a new technology combining helical computed tomography (CT) scan with multi-planar reformation (MPR) imaging. <b>Results:</b> Significant differences between children cadavers and adults were found in the following parameters (<i> P </i>&lt; 0.05): Condylar axis inclination, smallest area of condylar neck/largest area of condylar process, inclination of anterior slope in inner, middle, and outer one-third of condyle, anteroposterior/mediolateral dimension of condyle, length of anterior slope/posterior slope in inner and middle one-third of condyle, anteroposterior dimension of condyle/glenoid fossa, mediolateral dimension of condyle/glenoid fossa, inclination of anterior slope of glenoid fossa, depth of glenoid fossa, and anteroposterior/mediolateral dimension of glenoid fossa. <b>Conclusion:</b> There are significant differences of TMJ skeletal morphology between children and adults.