CEPHALOMETRIC EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL TEMPOROMANDIBULAR ! JOINT ANKYLOSIS

Abstract

Clinical examination and cephalometric radiography are used for the evaluation of twenty patients (8 males and 12 females) with unilateral ankylosis. In postero-anterior and lateral cephalometric analysis, comparison between the affected and unaffected sides was performed. Statistical analysis ,was applied to investigate the differences between cephalometric variables of the two sides.

On the bases of the findings of tl:tis study, it is concluded that:

. The mandible of the patients with unilateral ankylosis was deformed and failed to attain its full growth potential.

2. The height of the ramus was reduced and the body shortened in the affected side.

3. The effective length of the mandible in the majority of these patients was shorter in the affected side than in the contralateral side.

4. The gonial angle increased in the affected side than in the unaffected side.

5. The condylion to n:tid-sagittal reference line width was narrower in the affected side in companson with the contralateral side indicating mandibular deforn:tity.

6. Accentuation of antegonial notching in the affected side is an important observation in cases of unilateral ankylosis.