Resumo:
The temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) comprehends various pathological conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the most severe presentation. Dysfunction and intense pain characterize DJD. This study evaluated and compared the condylar volume of patients with and without DJD. An observational and retrospective study was conducted using computed tomography (CT) scans from the Radiology Department of FO/UFBA. NemoFAB Surgery 3D v.20.10.0 software analyzed 220 multislice CT scans performed between 2023 and 2024. The study included 188 participants with a mean age of 46 years and excluded 32. The comparison between patients with and without tomographic signs of DJD showed statistically significant differences in condylar volumes. The right condyle volume (RCV) was lower in patients with alterations (p = 0.005), as well as the left condyle volume (LCV) (p = 0.007). However, left and right condylar volumes did not statistically differ (p = 0.713). As for sex, women presented lower condylar volume on both sides, with RCV (p = 0.011) and LCV (p = 0.008), while men had higher condylar volumes. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of the measurements was 0.985 (p < 0.001), indicating excellent result reliability. Hence, this study demonstrates an association between the disease and lower mandibular condyle volume. Women exhibited lower condylar volumes on both sides, suggesting higher susceptibility to the impact of DJD. Right and left condylar volumes did not statistically differ, although the left side showed a higher prevalence of imaging alterations, aligning with previous literature findings.
