A RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF MANDIBULAR CONDYLE SHAPE AND POSITION IN AN ASYMPTOMATIC POPULATION

하악과두의 형태 및 위치에 관한 방사선학적 연구

This study was designed to observe mandibular condyle shape and position in an asymptomatic popular ion. Using Accurad-200 head holder(Denar Corp.) for transcranial radiography of the temporo-mandibular joint region, transcranial radiographs were taken at the centric occlusion and 1 inch mouth opening in 73 males and females who were asymptomatic for TMJ disturbances, had no severe carious or missing teeth, and no history of prosthodontic or orthodontic treatments. Mandibular condyles were classified morphologically at the centric occlusion and evaluated in positional relationship with mandibular fossa and articular eminence at the centric occlusion and 1 inch mouth opening. The results were as follows: 1. In the morphologic classification of mandibular condyle, the convex shape was more prevalent in an asymptomatic population(90.4%), the locally concave shape and wedge shape were 5.5%, 4.1%. 2. At the centric occlusion, the means of joint space were 3.43nm superiorly, 2.17㎜ anteriorly, and 2.61㎜ posteriorly. 3. At the centric occlusion, the mandibular condyles were placed slightly anterior to the center of their fossa. 4. At the 1 inch mouth opening, the mandibular condyles were placed anterior to the articular eminence more than posterior to or below the top of the articular eminence.