Measurements of Horizontal condylar inclination by using Cadiax compactII in patients with TMJ clicking before and after different treatments modalities

Background: Temporomandibular joint can be defined as a small and complex joint in the body. The bony portions of the joint consist of glenoid fossa, mandibular condyle and articular eminence which is a part of the temporal bone. Between the two bony structures, the articular disc is found. Disc displacement characterized by alteration in the articular disc position (abnormal position) locating between the mandibular fossa and the head of the condyle. Clicking can be defined as a brief sounds that are created from the movements of mandible, associated with displacement of the disc with reduction. Remodeling of the joint or joint hypermobility can produce clicking like sounds. Horizontal condylar angle can be defined as an angle formed in the horizontal plane between the Frankfurt horizontal plane and a line connecting a point on the head of the condyle, in centric and protrusive position. Aim of the Study: Measurement of horizontal condylar inclination in patients with clicking using Cadiax CompactII before and after the treatment. Subjects, materials and Method: The study sample consisted of seventy eight patients with disk displacement and thirty one as control subjects. Patients with intra articular joint disorders were divided into four groups according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (Group1-disk displacement with reduction. Group2-disk displacement with reduction with intermittent locking. Group3- disk displacement without reduction with limited opening. Group 4-disk displacement without reduction without limited opening). Results: Horizontal condylar inclination, results concerning right and left sides shows highly significant differences between control and group 4, while no significant differences were seen in the studied disorder groups either for using splint or laser Conclusions: The differences of Horizontal condylar inclination recorded by non-invasive Cadiax CompactII device may be used in the diagnosis of disc displacement without reduction without limited opening. The different modalities of treatment used do not influence the horizontal condylar inclination