Automated Analysis of X-Ray Images of the Temporomandibular Joint in Patients with Orthognathic Bite and Physiological Occlusion

[Radiological analysis of size of bone elements of the temporomandibular joint in children and adolescents with class II malocclusion]

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the ratio of bone elements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in children and adolescents with distal occlusion according to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

CBCT of the TMJ was analyzed in 121 patients aged 12-18 years, which were divided into two age groups: group I - children aged 12-15 years (62 cases in total, of which 47 patients with distal occlusion and 15 patients with physiological occlusion) and II group - adolescents aged 15-18 years (59 cases, of which 48 patients with distal occlusion and 11 patients with physiological occlusion). CBCT of the temporomandibular joint was performed by the standard method in the position of habitual occlusion and maximally open mouth. The size of the TMJ joint space in the anterior, upper and posterior sections was determined by the method of Rabukhina N.A., the analysis of the ratio of the bone elements of the TMJ was carried out using the Craniometry program.

RESULTS

The size of the joint space and the angle β of the temporomandibular joint in the anterior section on the right and left in children aged 12-15 with distal occlusion is increased compared to children with physiological occlusion in the position of habitual occlusion. In adolescents 15-18 years old with distal occlusion, the size of the TMJ joint space is increased in the anterior section on the right and left and reduced in the posterior section on the right, angle α is reduced on the right and left, angle β is reduced on the right, angle γ is increased on the right compared to adolescents with physiological occlusion. The revealed deviations indicate the presence of violations in the ratio of the bone elements of the TMJ, which are aggravated with age.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the results obtained during CBCT in children and adolescents allows us to correct the plan of orthodontic treatment and predict its results.

[Ultrasound structural assessment of masseter muscles in subjects with different types of craniofacial growth]

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

Was to assess the correlation of various maxillofacial structures in subjects with different types of craniofacial growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The results of comparing the morphology of the masseter muscles (thickness, area, echostructure) in 30 volunteers aged from 18 to 25 years without malocclusions and different type of craniofacial growth were presented.

RESULTS

A significant correlation between the thickness of the masseter muscles and morphology of the facial skull was observed: the smallest thickness of masseter muscles was in subjects with vertical type of craniofacial growth, the largest - in patients with horizontal type of craniofacial growth. The study results improved ultrasound technique of masseter muscles assessment including methods for measuring the thickness, area and echostructure on ultrasound images.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results may be seen as reference points for assessment of the same structures in patients with malocclusions.