Positional and dimensional TMJ characteristics in different temporomandibular disorders: A cross-sectional comparative study.

Objective: To investigate the morphological and positional temporomandibular joint (TMJ) characteristics of different temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Methods: One hundred forty-three TMD patients were divided into three groups: Group 1: Myalgia (M), Group 2: Disc displacement with reduction (DDWR), and Group 3: Disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). Three-dimensional positional and dimensional parameters of the TMJ, including mandibular fossa, condyle, and TMJ spaces were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The significance level was < 0.05.

Results: Mandibular condyles were significantly positioned in more vertical, posterior, and medial directions, with the reduced condylar width in the DD groups ( < 0.001). Anterior joint space was significantly higher in the DDWR group than the myalgia group; the superior joint spaces were more reduced in DD groups than the myalgia group.

Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with disc displacement showed significantly different condylar positions and joint spaces compared to the myalgia group in a skeletally comparable sample.