The relationship between a dolichofacial morphology and bone adaptation of the articular tubercle

Abstract

Objectives: Against the background of a possibly compromised functional adaptation, the relationship between the height of the articular tubercle was analyzed as a function of the amount of divergence between the maxilla and the mandible.

Design: These parameters were obtained retrospectively from orthopantomograms and lateral radiographs produced in a standard procedure before orthodontic treatment.

Results: The height of the articular tubercle appeared to be significantly smaller in a group of patients with a dolichofacial morphology, with respect of those with an average (mesofacial) morphology. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the height of the articular tubercle and the mandibular angle.

Conclusions: These results suggest that bone remodeling in selected parts of the orofacial skeleton can be compromised giving rise to an altered craniofacial morphology.

Keywords: Anatomy; Craniofacial anomalies; Developmental biology; Functional morphology; Growth/development; Jaw biomechanics.