Dimensional and Positional Associations between the Mandibular Condyle and Glenoid Fossa: A Three-dimensional Cone-beam Computed Tomography-based Study

Aim This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the dimensional and positional associations between the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa (GF) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods Seventy female subjects [140 temporomandibular joints (TMJs)] were divided into two groups. Group I included 35 subjects with normal facial profiles (NFPs) in which the soft tissue glabella, subnasal point, and the soft tissue chin are almost in the same straight line, while the 35 subjects in group II had abnormal facial profiles (AFPs) in which the same imaginary line is either convex or concave indicating variation from standard norms. Three-dimensional volume analyses were performed on CBCT images by digitizing all landmarks in three orthogonal planes to measure the dimensional and positional parameters of the condyle and GF. Then the Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to identify associations between different condyle and GF parameters. Results Sagittal condylar surface area was significantly associated with all dimensional parameters of the GF (GF height, width, and surface area, condylar width, and the GF width and between the axial and coronal condylar surface area with GF height and GF width) on the right and left sides of both groups (p values ranging from 0.000 to 0.028). Positional associations were detected between the anteroposterior and mediolateral GF positions and the corresponding position of the mandibular condyles and between the anteroposterior condylar position and the vertical GF position on both sides of both groups (p values ranged from 0.000 to 0.015). Conclusion There is a strong association between the mandibular condyle and GF in both positional and dimensional measurements in patients with normal and abnormal facial profiles. Clinical significance Understanding the associations between the mandibular condyle and GF facilitates optimization of the treatment outcomes by increasing occlusal harmony and stability after orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery, or any prosthetic replacement.