Prevalence and Characteristics of Pneumatized Articular Tubercle and Glenoid Fossa in Panoramic Radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography

The diagnosis of pneumatization nearby the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is of utmost importance since it may facilitate the spread of pathologies into the joint and complicate TMJ surgery. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of pneumatized articular tubercle (PAT) and glenoid fossa (PGF) in panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

This cross-sectional study was conducted on panoramic and CBCT images in the archives of a specialized center for maxillofacial radiology in Zanjan, Iran, within 2017-2020. Panoramic and CBCT images of 220 patients were selected.The presence of pneumatization was recorded at the articular eminence and the glenoid fossa. The prevalence of pneumatization was determined by gender, age, location, and laterality. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using the chi-square test (p < 0.05).

In panoramic and CBCT images, the prevalence rates of PAT were 7.3% and 19.5%, and the prevalence rates of PGF were obtained at 11.4% and 35%s, respectively. The frequency of PAT and PGF was higher in females and subjects younger than 40 years, as compared to males and older cases. Unilateral cases were higher than bilateral cases for both pneumatizations. The most prevalent type was unilocular in PAT cases and multilocular in PGF cases.

As evidenced by the obtained results, PAT and PGF were relatively common in the study population. Furthermore, PAT and PGF can be examined more accurately on CBCT images, as compared to panoramic radiographs.