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Radiographic evaluation of pneumatized articular eminence in a group of Turkish children

¹ Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University, 06500 Besevler, Ankara, Turkey; ² Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, 34755, Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey; ³ Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University, 06500 Besevler, Ankara, Turkey

*Correspondence to: Kaan Orhan, Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, 06500, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey; Email: call53{at}yahoo.com

Received 12 September 2005; revised 14 November 2005; accepted 21 December 2005

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients with pneumatized articular eminence (PAT) in a group of Turkish children in order to make a contribution to pneumatization phenomenon in childhood.

Methods: 1049 panoramic radiographs were retrospectively evaluated. PAT was defined as non-expansile, non-destructive cyst-like radiolucency in the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which appears similar to the mastoid air cells. It was classified as unilocular or multilocular on the radiograph. Statistical comparison of gender, age and localization was performed using a chi-square test (P<0.05).

Results: Twenty-four pneumatized articular eminences were found in 17 patients, representing a prevalence of 1.62%. Patients with pneumatized articular eminence had a mean age of 11.2 (SD 3.13) years with a range of 7–16 years. Eight cases (47.1%) occurred in girls and nine cases (52.9%) occurred in boys. The results of statistical tests showed no statistically significant differences among the groups with respect to gender, age and localization (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Pneumatization of accessory air cells begins before puberty, contrary to the general opinion and statements. Knowledge about these structures is helpful for the interpretation of imaging such as panoramic radiographs and provides valuable information to understand the spread and differential diagnosis of pathological entities in this region.

Keywords: panoramic radiography;; pneumatized articular eminence;; children;; temporomandibular joint;; acute mastoiditis