Evaluation of pneumatization of the articular eminence using cone beam computed tomography imaging

Objectives: This study was conducted with an objective to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pneumatization of articular eminence (PAT) using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. Material and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, which included CBCT images of 62 patients in which TMJ region was completely visualized. The demographic details of the patient viz. age, gender were retrieved from their records. These scans were evaluated in sagittal, coronal and axial section using Kodak dental imaging software. Tyndall and Matteson criteria were used for diagnosis and characterization of PAT. Evaluation of both right and left side was done and the frequency and characteristics of PAT were recorded. Frequencies/percentages and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 62 patients included in the study 40.3% showed presence of PAT. Of these pneumatization, 38% were unilocular whereas 26% were multilocular in characteristic. Presence of peumatization was correlated with unilocular and multilocular variety of PAT was statistically significant (p< 0.05) for both. Conclusion: To avoid serious complications that may arise due to pneumatization, all surgeries related to TMJ should be carried out after evaluation with CBCT. CBCT is a good tool for imaging TMJ and related structures with the added advantage of low radiation dose compared to CT.