Evaluation of the relationship between tympanic plate morphology and degenerative bone changes of condyle and articular eminence

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between tympanic plate morphology and degeneration of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condyle and articular eminence (AE).

Material and methods: Cone beam computed tomography images of 700 patients (345 males, 355 females) were evaluated. The prevalence and location of tympanic plate pneumatization (TPP) and foramen tympanicum (FT) were recorded. Sagittal scans of the TMJs were classified according to the degenerative bone changes of condyle and AE (flattening, osteophytes, erosion, sclerosis, and subcortical cysts).

Results: TPP was found in 106 of 700 patients (15.2%) while FT was found in 165 (23.2%) of the patients. TPP and FT were bilateral in 52 (49.1%) patients and 46 (27.9%) patients, respectively. The mean axial diameter of FT was 2.53mm and the mean sagittal diameter was 2.52mm. The most common degenerative changes for condyle and AE were flattening.

Conclusion: To know these structures is important for surgical operations in the region of TMJ and ear to prevent complications. CBCT is useful to evaluate these anatomical landmarks and the relationship between them and the degenerative bone changes of condyle and AE.

Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; Degenerative bone changes; Foramen tympanicum; Temporomandibular joint dysfunction.