Variations in the Inclination of the Condylar Path in Children and Adults

Objective: To test the null hypothesis that there are no differences between children and adults in the condylar path inclination angle on the right and left sides. Materials and Methods: A group of 80 children aged 6 to 10 years (subgroups I through V, according to chronologic age) was compared with an adult group with regard to the condylar path inclination angle (CPIA) on the right and left sides. The CPIA was measured using the ultrasonic JMA-System for registration. Results: During development of the temporomandibular joint the condylar path inclination angle increased with age in the subgroups of children. A significant difference was found in the CPIA between the groups of adults and children. In the group with the oldest children (mean age: 10.3 years) the condylar path inclination angle had reached 81.87% on the right side and 78.85% on the left side compared with the adult group at a 5 mm protrusive path. In the pooled group of children the CPIA amounted to 73.08% on the right side and 72.13% on the left side compared with the values for the adults. No significant difference was found between the right and left CPIA in any group. Conclusion: The hypothesis is rejected. The CPIA on the right and left sides increased with age in the group of children and was significantly smaller in the group of children compared with the group of adults.