engleski

Three-dimensional Measurement of Temporal Articular- eminence Inclination

Objective: Inclination of articular-eminence posterior wall (AEI) is an important element in biomechanics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure AEI values between Croatian and American contemporary populations as well as to determine differences between two different methods used for AEI measurement. Methods: The study was carried out on 90 human (aged 18 to 55 years) dry skulls from 20th century: Croatian population (CP ; 30 skulls), American Caucasians (AC ; 30 skulls), and African Americans (AA ; 30 skulls). Silicone impressions of articular-eminence and fossa glenoidalis were made, and digitalized by optical scanner. Using appropriate software AEI measurement was performed on 5 simulated sections (from lateral to medial side) through the virtual impressions. AEI was measured in relation to the Frankfurt horizontal plane by two methods: „fossa roof–eminence top“ method (M1) and “best fit line“ method (M2). The results obtained were statistically analyzed at significance level of p<0.05. Results: Mean AEI M1 for CP was 34.6°, for AA 36.4°, and for AC 37.4°, while mean AEI M2 for CP was 53.9°, for AA 51.3°, and for AC 55.6°. AEI values between CP, AC, and AA were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Differences between two methods of AEI measurements (M1 and M2) were statistically significant with significantly higher AEI values measured when using method M2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: AEI values vary a lot with wide range of measured values. Differences in AEI values between three different populations existed, but were not statistically significant. Although both angles used for measurement represent the AEI, measured values obtained by M2 method were higher than values measured by M1 method. Therefore, it is of great importance to state which method was used when expressing AEI data.

temporomandibular joint ; skull ; population

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