THE ANATOMICAL RATIO OF BONE ELEMENTS OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT IN PATIENTS 6-12 AND 12-15 YEARS OLD WITH MALOCCLUSION CLASS II
The aim of this work is to study the anatomical ratio of bone elements of the temporomandibular joint in patients 6-12 and 12-15 years old with malocclusion class II before orthodontic treatment. Using cone-beam computed tomography the comparison of right and left joint cleft sizes was conducted, as well as regarding the age norm and with each other in patients of two age groups. Visually was assessed the position of the lower jaw head in the joint fossa. The results of 28 computer tomograms analysis of 14 patients are presented. It was revealed that joint cleft sizes of temporomandibular joint on the right and on the left are not statistically different. A significant narrowing of the anterior part of the joint cleft was revealed in children 6-12 years old with distal occlusion, while the upper and posterior parts are not statistically different of the age norm. In children 12-15 years old with distal occlusion all joint cleft sizes are not statistically different of the age norm. Joint cleft sizes of temporomandibular joint in anterior parts in children of a junior group is smaller in comparison with senior age groups, in upper and posterior parts are not distinguished statistically.