Prevalence and Variations of Pneumatized Articular Eminence in Patients Referring to Yazd Dental School(2011-2013)

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and variations of pneumatized articular eminence in patients referring to Yazd Dental school.

A total of 3098 panoramic radiographs were retrospectively investigated for the prevalence and radiographic features of PAT. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were utilized via applying SPSS software to analyze the research data .

Generally, PAT was found in 64 (2/1 %) patients. In other words, bilateral PAT was found within 24 patient (37 %), whereas unilateral PAT was found in 40 patient (63%) and thus, there was a statistically significant difference between bilateral and unilateral PAT (p=0.049). PAT occurred in 41 cases out of 1735 females (2/4%) and 23 cases out of 1363 males (1/7%), though no statistically significant differences were seen in regard with participants’ gender(Exact probability one side=0.117). Moreover, PAT was observed more in the age group above 50 years old (2/4 %) and less in ages between 40-49 years old. The ratio of unilocular pattern to multilocular pattern was 1/25.

The presence of PAT can be a contraindication for performing eminoplasty and eminectomy in order to treat recurrent chronic mandibular dislocation during the operation. Therefore, care must be taken while using burs in order to avoid such unwanted accidents as sudden penetration.