Change in Condylar and Mandibular Morphology in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Cone Beam Volumetric Imaging

Abstract

The aim of this study is to show the importance of Cone Beam Computerized Tomography to volumetrically quantify
TMJ damage in patients with JIA, measuring condylar and mandibular real volumes.
34 children with temporomandibular involvement by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis were observed by Cone Beam
Computerized Tomography. 4 were excluded because of several imaging noises. The mandible was isolated from
others craniofacial structures; the whole mandibular volume and its components’ volumes (condyle, ramus, hemibody,
hemisymphysis on right side and on left side) has been calculated by a 3D volume rendering technique.
The results show a highly signifi cant statistical difference between affected side volumetric values versus normal side
volumetric values above all on condyle region (P<0.01), while they doesn’t show any statistical differences between
right side versus left side.
The Cone Beam Computerized Tomography represents a huge improvement in understanding of the condyle and
mandibular morphological changes, even in the early stages of the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. The JIA can lead in
children to temporomandibular joint damage with facial development and growth alterations.