Anatomic study of the angulation of the lateral and midpoint inclined planes of the articular eminence.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this investigation was to study the anatomy of the articular eminence of the temporomandibular joint. Direct angulation measurements of the lateral and midpoint inclined planes were made in 100 adult Asiatic Indian skulls using a headholder (craniophore) apparatus. The results showed that left and right side measurements did not differ significantly. The mean angulation of the midpoint inclined plane was significantly greater than that of the lateral inclined plane. The mean lateral inclined plane was 41.2 degrees +/- 10.7 degrees, with a range of 20 degrees-72 degrees; at the midpoint inclined plane, the mean was 54.2 degrees +/- 11.4 degrees, with a range of 17 degrees-77 degrees. Three morphologic articular eminence types were identified (1) protuberant, (2) moderate, and (3) flat. These findings need to be considered when making clinical correlations.