Assessment of prevalence of articular eminence pneumatization by Cone Beam Computing Tomography

Background: Pneumatization is the presence of pro-cavities inside the bone. As bone volume decreases, bone gets resorbed and fractured simpler. In rare cases, temporal lobe pneumatization may alert the surgeon about complications while manipulating the temporomandibular joint in surgery. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of pneumatization of temporomandibular joint using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: In this study, 310 CBCTs were used, including 161 (51.9%) females. CBCTs that included the entire glenoid region of the fossa and condylar head were selected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 through Chi-square and independent sample T-test. Results: The age of the subjects was in the range of 15-65 years. Compared to one-sided or twosided pneumatization of articular eminence with the age group, the age group of 15- 25 years had the most one-sided and two-sided structure. There was no statistically significant relationship between unilateral or bilateral pneumatization of articular eminence with age group. In addition, no statistically significant relationship was observed between pneumatization of articular eminence and gender as well as structure. Conclusion: According to the pneumatization frequency of articular eminence (2%) and its high prevalence (30-75%), this radiographic finding can be considered as a common normal anatomical variation. Its importance is mentioned in various joint surgeries such as Dautrey.