Condylar size and its relationship with disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the size of the mandibular condyle and the temporomandibular joint disc position using CT and MRI. Methods: images of 100 joints were retrospectively analyzed. The measures analyzed on CT were condylar head height, medio-lateral and anteroposterior dimensions of the condylar head. On MRI imaging, the TMJ disc position was evaluated, both with patient in maximum intercuspidation and open mouth. ANOVA tests were used to evaluate the correlation. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 20.3 years, 74% females and 26 % males. A statistically significant association was found between the horizontal condylar sizes (p=0.014 for the medio-lateral and p=0.020 for the antero-posterior sizes) and the TMJ disc position in open mouth. Conclusions: An association between the horizontal dimensions of the condylar head and disc displacement was observed, with condylar head size smaller in disc displacement without reduction