Condylar surface CT value in sagittal plane before and after sagittal split ramus osteotomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between computed tomography (CT) values of the condylar surface and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc position in the sagittal plane before and after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) setback surgery, retrospectively.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The subjects were 75 patients (150 condyles) who underwent bilateral SSRO setback surgery. They were divided into two groups (42 symmetric patients and 33 asymmetric patients). Maximum CT values (pixel values) of five points of the condylar surface and condylar height, length, fossa height, fossa length, and ramus angle in the sagittal plane were measured preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Disc position was classified as anterior disc displacement, anterior type, fully covered type, and posterior type, both pre- and postoperatively, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Postoperative value was significantly higher than preoperative one in CT value of 135° (P = 0.0199) and 180° (0.0363), in the non-deviation side in the asymmetry group. The anterior disc displacement group was significantly larger than those of some other areas pre- and postoperatively in the CT value of 0° point (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that CT value of the posterior site of the condylar surface could change in the non-deviation side in the asymmetry group after 1 year SSRO, and the condyle with anterior displacement showed high CT value at the anterior site of the condyle before and after surgery.