Abstract

Introduction: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), like other joints, is exposed to a variety of injuries and, as a result it affects the DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease). DJD is the most common disease associated with joints, which is diagnosed by observation of some clinical symptoms associated with bone changes using computer tomography imaging (CT). CBCT is one of the most suitable methods for dental purposes. Considering the occurrence of condylar morphological changes in DJD and its observation in CBCT images, in this study, the mean of horizontal condyle angle in the axillary plane in TMJ was investigated using CBCT images. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 80 CBCT images of 40 patients with bilateral DJD (group A) and control patients with no DJD-affected (group B) choose from the archives of CBCT images of patients referred to the private radiology center. The CBCT images of the patients were evaluated by on demand software in the axial view, the coronal plane was drawn perpendicular to the midsagittal plane, and angle between the long axis of the condylar and the coronal plane was considered as the horizontal condyle angle. The mean of angles in both control and patient groups was compared using t-test. Results: The results of this study showed that there is no significant difference between the horizontal angle of the right and left condyles in group A (patients who are affected by DJD disorder) and B (people who are not affected by DJD disorder). It was also shown that the mean of horizontal condyle angle between the groups A (DJD) and B (Non-DJD) was not significantly different between men and women on both sides. In the present study, the mean of horizontal condyle angle in both sides was investigated in the age group of 18 years-34 years and 35 years-74 years. The results showed that the mean of horizontal condyle angle was not significantly different between the age groups. Conclusion: The horizontal condyle angle was not significantly different between the two groups with DJD and the non-affected group. Additionally, there was no significant difference between patients and non-patients in any of the sex and age groups.