Evaluation of intra-articular space in the position of physiologic rest

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra-articular space in the position of physiologic rest in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients of temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Sixty-seven patients, 38 symptomatic and 29 asymptomatic (40 females and 27 males), were selected. The method used for images acquisition was the conventional tomography. The scans were carried out in the central portion of the temporomandibular joint in the sagittal and frontal plans. The habitual position of the superior segment of the cervical column was an important observed data, because it is considered a modifier factor of the position of physiologic articular rest. In the images, the delineation of joint bone surfaces and three measurements of the articular space were performed, each measurement was repeated in an interval of three months. Statistical analysis was carried out using the “t” Student and Tukey tests. Results: The results showed no significant differences between the right and left sides of the same patient, as well as symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Significant difference was observed between females and males. The male group showed the greater dimensions. Conclusions: It was concluded that the size of articular space remained unchanged in the physiologic rest with the presence or absence of temporomandibular disorders symptoms in both joints. In male patients, the greater dimensions observed may be a sign of higher biological protection.