Craniofacial morphology of Chinese patients with bilateral temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis.

Objective: To evaluate the morphological features of craniofacial structures in young patients affected by bilateral temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis (TMJOA).

Methods: Forty-three males and 189 females aged 15 to 25 years who had lateral cephalograms and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) radiological examinations were included. They were classified into a TMJOA group and a control group, according to TMJ bony status. Thirty-two variables from lateral cephalogram were analysed by t test to evaluate the cranial and dentofacial differences between the two groups.

Results: TMJOA group showed a shorter posterior ramus height and shorter condyles, smaller SNB angle and larger ANB angle, smaller facial plane angle and larger angle of convexity, steeper mandibular plane angle and more vertical y-axis.

Conclusion: Bilateral TMJOA is associated with dentofacial alterations characterised by a tendency toward retrognathism and shorter mandibles. However, the cause-and-effect relationship is yet to be clarified.