Dimensions of the mandibular condyle and the glenoid cavity in the different sagittal skeletal patterns in adolescents. A computed tomography study

Aim: The characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are modifed as a consequence of different factors. The sagittal skeletal pattern has been related to the dimensions of the osseous components of the TMJ. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the dimension of the mandibular condyle and the glenoid cavity and the sagittal skeletal pattern in adolescents. Methods: 40 adolescent patients, between 11 and 19 years old, 12 males and 28 females, were evaluated. They were divided into three groups according to the ANB angle: 15 Class I (ANB 0 ° - 4 °), 15 Class II (> 4°) and 10 Class III (<0 °). The width and length of the condyle and the width and depth of the glenoid cavity were measured using computed tomography images. By the t-Student test, the means of the measures of the right and left side were compared. Through the ANOVA test, the means of the measurements of the condyle and the glenoid cavity were analyzed according to the vertical skeletal pattern and the post-hoc Bonferroni test was used to identify the group correlations. Results: No signifcant difference was found between the right and left side averages, so the mean between sides was used for the analysis. A correlation was obtained between the depth of the glenoid cavity and the sagittal skeletal pattern (P = 0.009), was deeper in Class III and less in Class II. The rest of the variables studied did not present a statistically signifcant correlation with the sagittal skeletal pattern. Conclusions: The depth of the glenoid cavity is greater in Class III subjects and less deep in those Class II. The dimensions of the condyle and the width of the glenoid cavity did not show a statistically signifcant relationship with the sagittal skeletal pattern in the adolescents studied