CBCT-Based Morphometric Assessment of Osseous Temporomandibular Joint Components in an Adult Jordanian Sample

Abstract

Objectives: Limited comprehensive morphometric data is available on osseous TMJ components using quantitative measurements, qualitative assessment, and demographic variables. The purpose of this study was to perform a morphometric assessment of the osseous TMJ components, mainly the mandibular condyle, glenoid fossa, articular eminence, and joint spaces, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to study side-, sex-, and age-related associations in the mandibular condyles and glenoid fossae. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study used CBCT images of 100 TMJs from 50 adults with no documented TMJ-related complaints. Corrected sagittal and coronal sections were assessed for articular eminence height, joint spaces, condylar dimensions, condylar shape, and glenoid fossa shape. Welch’s t-test, Welch’s ANOVA, and Fisher’s exact test were used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: No significant right-left differences were found in linear measurements or morphological variables (all p > 0.05). Males showed greater left articular eminence height and right condylar width than females. Left condylar shape distribution differed by sex (p = 0.001), with more round condyles in males and more convex condyles in females. The left glenoid fossa shape also differed by sex (p = 0.002). Age-group analysis showed lower left articular eminence height in the older age group (p = 0.007), while most other measurements showed no significant age-related differences. Conclusions: CBCT-based osseous TMJ morphometry indicates general bilateral symmetry in this sample. Selective sex- and age-related differences were observed mainly on the left side; therefore, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory preliminary reference information for radiologic interpretation and treatment planning. Keywords: TMJ, Cone-beam computed tomography, Temporomandibular joint, CBCT.