A comparative study of the skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint of children and adults.

BACKGROUND The skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is constantly remodeled. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES A comparative study was undertaken to determine and characterize the differences in the skeletal morphology of TMJ of children and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted on 30 children cadavers and 30 adult volunteers. Parameters that could reflect TMJ skeletal morphology were measured with a new technology combining helical computed tomography (CT) scan with multi-planar reformation (MPR) imaging. RESULTS Significant differences between children cadavers and adults were found in the following parameters (P<0.05): Condylar axis inclination, smallest area of condylar neck/largest area of condylar process, inclination of anterior slope in inner, middle, and outer one-third of condyle, anteroposterior/mediolateral dimension of condyle, length of anterior slope/posterior slope in inner and middle one-third of condyle, anteroposterior dimension of condyle/glenoid fossa, mediolateral dimension of condyle/glenoid fossa, inclination of anterior slope of glenoid fossa, depth of glenoid fossa, and anteroposterior/mediolateral dimension of glenoid fossa. CONCLUSION There are significant differences of TMJ skeletal morphology between children and adults.