Cone beam computed tomography evaluation of the temporomandibular joint in patients with and without temporomandibular dysfunctions

analyze the morphometric and morphological variations of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in individuals with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and to explore their relationship with various sagittal and vertical skeletal malocclusion patterns. DICOM files of 432 TMJs from 216 patients (127 females, 89 males; mean ages 29.4 ± 12.6 and 31.2 ± 16.6 years, respectively) were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging software (version 11.95). Participants were grouped into two main groups: TMD (n = 199 TMJs) and control (n = 233 TMJs). Skeletal classification was based on the ANB angle to assess sagittal relationships, categorized as Class I (1°- 4°), Class II (> 4°), and Class III (< 1°). Vertical skeletal patterns were evaluated based on the SN-MP angle and classified as hypodivergent (< 27°), normodivergent (27°- 37°), and hyperdivergent (> 37°). There was no significant association observed between TMD and either gender or vertical skeletal pattern (P > .05). However, a significant relationship was found between TMD and sagittal malocclusion (P < .05). Patients in the TMD group demonstrated significantly greater anterior, lateral, and medial joint spaces (P < .05) and a more posterior condylar position. Furthermore, condylar morphology differed markedly between the TMD and control groups (P < .05). In the control group, round and oval condylar shapes were most common in the coronal and sagittal views, respectively. In contrast, the TMD group more frequently exhibited angled, finger-shaped condyles. TMJ morphological and morphometric alterations are significantly associated with TMD and may vary across different sagittal skeletal malocclusion patterns.