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Ultrasound and tomographic evaluation of temporomandibular joints in adolescents with and without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders: a pilot study

¹ Oral Physiology Department, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Sao Paulo, Brazil; ² Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Sao Paulo, Brazil; ³ Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Brazil

*Correspondence to: Prof. Dr Maria Beatriz Duarte Gavião, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba/UNICAMP, Departamento de Odontologia Infantil, Área de Odontopediatria, Avenida Limeira 901 CEP 13414-903 Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brasil; Email: mbgaviao{at}fop.unicamp.br

Received 21 August 2006; revised 23 November 2006; accepted 11 December 2006

Objectives: Condylar position in the glenoid fossa has been linked to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs); however its importance in TMD aetiology is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine joint spaces and condylar position in adolescents with TMDs using ultrasound static images and linear corrected tomograms at the mandibular rest position.

Methods: Craniomandibular index (CMI) and a symptom questionnaire were assessed in 217 subjects aged 12–18 years. Those with the lowest and the highest scores were divided into control (n=20) and SSTMD (presence of signs and symptoms of TMD) groups (n=20). Ultrasound images and tomography were used to measure the distance between the capsule and the lateral surface of the condyle and to determine the condyle location at the mandibular resting position, respectively.

Results: The mean distances obtained from ultrasound images did not correlate with CMI scores and they did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05). Posterior positioned condyles were determined on tomograms, and they were more prevalent both in the SSTMD group (P=0.05) and in girls (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Even though there was a significant difference in condyle position between the control and SSTMD groups, determined by axially corrected tomograms, it cannot be inferred that posteriorly positioned condyles can predict TMDs. In addition, there was no association between the articular capsule and the lateral condyle surface distances measured by ultrasound using a 10 MHz linear transducer and the clinical diagnosis of TMD. Further studies in diagnostic imaging of TMJs with ultrasound should be encouraged, since it has some useful diagnostic applications and does not require special facilities.

Keywords: temporomandibular joint; ultrasound; tomography; adolescent