A NOVEL 3D EVALUATION OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE CONDYLAR POSITION AND ANGLE CLASSIFICATION IN A LEBANESE POPULATION: A PILOT STUDY.

Introduction: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints. Its morphology varies between individuals, and even between the left and right sides. Several studies have found a significant relation between certain occlusal features and joint morphology. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is currently the most widely adopted modality for the examination of the TMJ. Objective: This study aimed to compare the joint space in a Lebanese cohort with different Angle classification using CBCT. Methodology: We retrospectively analyzed CBCT images performed at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut in Lebanon, over a period of 1 year, between 2021 and 2022. Four clearance values were selected, representing the minimum distance between the temporal bone and the mandibular condyle that defines the joint space: 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm. For each value chosen, we looked for the presence or not of a visible surface. This surface corresponds to the area of the condyle with a distance from the condyle to the temporal bone less than or equal to the chosen value. Results: Twenty-nine patients aged between 12 and 60 years old were included; 12 (41%) were males and 17 (59%) females. We classified 48 CBCT images (23 on the right side and 25 on the left side) into three groups according to Angle's classification: class I (n=14), class II (n=29), and class III (n=5). For a distance of [0-1.5 mm] corresponded a surface of 0 mm2. For the interval between [1.5-2 mm] corresponded a surface of 18,8 mm2 for class I subjects, 16,6 mm2 for class II, and 30,5 mm2 for class III. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the articular spaces and the different types of occlusion. Conclusion: The three-dimensional evaluation of the condylar position by CBCT showed that there are no significant differences between the joint spaces and the different types of occlusion according to Angle's classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]