To compare mandibular morphology between an asymptomatic normal group and a temporomandibular osteoarthritis group.
The study sample consisted of 39 patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis screened by computed tomography and 44 asymptomatic normal subjects. Panoramic radiographs were taken of all subjects. Linear and angular panoramic measurements were taken of the groups' mandibular characteristics, and a t test was used to compare them.
The condylar head and condylar and ramal height of the osteoarthritic joints were significantly shorter than in the control group. Moreover, the gonial angles were significantly larger, and the condylar head showed a more distal inclination in the arthritic group. The unilaterally osteoarthritic patients showed significant differences between the affected and contralateral sides of the condylar head and condylar height and the condylar head angle.
The present study shows that the condylar head and condylar height were shorter, and the condylar head was more distally inclined in osteoarthritic joints.