Imaging Analysis of theTemporomandibular Joint after Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomyfor Treatment of Patients with Reducible Disc Displacement

Takeshi MATSUSHITA,Ritsuo TAKAGI*, Takafumi HAYASHI and Jusuke ITO
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology,
*2nd Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,
School of Dentistry, Niigata University.
(Chief: Prof. Jusuke ITO, Prof. Yasushi OHASHI*)

Abstract：

In order to clarify the mechanism of improving signs andsymptoms after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) inpatients with reducible disc displacement of thetemporomandibular joint, post-operative changes of the mandibularhead and disc in eight patients ranged in age from 17 to 25 years( Ave. 20.0 years ) were evaluated using lateral transcranialradiographs and computed tomography (CT).
IVRO resulted in antero-inferior repositioning of the mandibularhead with an increase in the joint space. Clinical signs andsymptoms were improved in all cases, but disc position wasunchanged. In five joints, a double contour line of themandibular head was observed on CT.
In conclusion, it was considered that this procedure waseffective in alleviating signs and symptoms of patients withreducible disc displacement of the TMJ, and it was suggested thatthe condylar position to the articular fossa played a moreimportant role in appearance of signs and symptoms than the discposition in these patients.

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