Brief Review on CBCT-imaging Used for the Visualization of Temporo-mandibular Joint

Objectives: Since cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been used for the study of craniofacial morphology, the attention of orthodontists has also focused on the mandibular condyle. The purpose of this brief review is to summarize the results reached by the recent literature, which has focused on the study of the anatomy of the mandibular condyle in CBCT images, highlighting the data from samples of children, adolescents and young adults.
Methods: The eligibility criteria for the studies are: (a) studies aimed to evaluate the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint; (b) studies performed with CBCT images (c) studies on human subjects (d) studies that were not clinical case reports and clinical series (e) studies reporting data on children, adolescents, or young adults (data from individuals with age £ 30 years).
Sources included PubMed from 2008 to 2016, June.
Results: 43 full-text articles were initially screened for eligibility. 13 full-text articles assessed for eligibility. 11 articles were finally included in qualitative synthesis.
The main topics treated in the studies are: the volume and surface of the mandibular condyle, the bone changes on cortical surface, the facial asymmetry, and the optimum position of the condyle in the glenoid fossa.
Conclusions: Although CBCT imaging helped to clarify some aspects of the morphology of the mandibular condyle, in relation to the remaining parts of the stomatognathic system, additional studies will be necessary in future - constructed with longitudinal methodology - especially in growing subjects.