Morphology of the condyles and mandibular fossa as seen by computed tomography.

Computed tomography allows detailed three-dimensional examination of the hard and soft tissue of the temporomandibular joint. The morphology of the mandibular fossa and the condyles together with the horizontal and vertical condylar inclinations was determined in 25 patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and 29 controls by use of axial and coronal computed tomography projections. The shape of the condyle was evaluated according to its general appearance. The temporomandibular joint measurements obtained by computed tomography were in good agreement with morphologic studies performed on dry skulls and autopsy material.