Temporal bone pneumatization in patients with dentofacial deformities: cone beam computed tomography study

The relation between persistent foramen tympanicum and degenerative bone alterations in temporomandibular joint region

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the relationship of persistent foramen tympanicum (PFT) with degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the presence of pneumatized glenoid fossae and articular eminences.

METHOD

Two experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists evaluated 510 CBCT scans, from which 94 patients were divided into two groups: G1-patients with PFT and G2-control group. The location of the PFT, presence, or absence of degenerative TMJ changes and morphology were evaluated. Similarly, all images were evaluated for the presence of pneumatized articular eminence and glenoid fossa. The Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test were used for the categorical variables. A multinomial logistic regression model was performed for subgroup analysis. To assess the estimation-chance occurrence of TMJ alterations the Odds Ratio analysis was used.

RESULTS

Statistically significant results were found for erosion, planning, and subchondral cyst. Regarding TMJ morphology, significant results were found for: round, flat, and others. Moreover, it was possible to observe that patients who had the PFT were approximately 48 times more likely to manifest TMJ alterations and approximately 3 times more likely to manifest articular eminence pneumatization.

CONCLUSION

Since individuals who have FTP have a greater chance of having TMJ and PEA changes, it is important for the dental radiologist to be aware of these signs in CBCT scans for a correct diagnosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CAAE: 34328214.3.0000.0104 (11/30/2014).

Articular eminence pneumatization in patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns: Cone-beam computed tomography study

Objectives:

This study objectives to evaluate the type and degree of articular eminence pneumatization in individuals with different sagittal skeletal patterns.

Material and Methods:

Cone-beam computed tomography images of 139 patients were included in the study. The population was divided into groups according to their sagittal skeletal anomalies by A point-nasion-B point angle measurement. The laterality, grade, and type of pneumatization were recorded. Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were performed to evaluate gender, sagittal skeletal anomalies, pneumatization type, and grade.

Results:

A pneumatized articular eminence (PAT) was found in 74.8% of the population. Grade 1 pneumatization and the multilocular type where the most common pneumatization. There were no correlations between sagittal skeletal anomalies and pneumatization grades.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of PAT was high concerning the previous studies. However, there were no correlations between the sagittal skeletal anomalies, pneumatization type, and grade. Clinicians must always be aware of the potential for pneumatizations as they may cause untoward complications.