Correlation between temporomandibular joint morphometric measurements and gender, disk position, and condylar position.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nThe aim of this study was to correlate the morphometric measurements of the temporomandibular joint, including condylar size, joint space, and articular eminence size, with gender, disk position, and condylar position by using magnetic resonance imaging.\n\n\nSTUDY DESIGN\nOverall, 93 patients were evaluated (31.2% males and 68.8% females; age 18-81 years; mean age 41 years). Condylar size (D1), joint space (D2), and eminence size (D3) were measured. Correlations with gender, disk position, and condylar position were calculated.\n\n\nRESULTS\nA statistically significant correlation was found between D2 and gender, with the joint space being significantly larger in the male group (P\u202f=\u202f.05). There were correlations between D2 and the position of the disk and the position of the condyle (P ≤ .05).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe results indicate a correlation between male gender and larger joint space. In addition, we found that the joint space size influences the articular disk and condyle position, which can cause disk displacement.