[Radiographic study of the applicability of three anatomical landmarks in transcranial radiography of the temporomandibular joint]. / Estudo radiográfico da aplicabilidade de três pontos de reparo anatômicos nas radiografias transcranianas da articulação temporomandibular.

ABSTRACT

The variability of the angles formed between the long axis of the right and left condyles and the midsagittal plane, as well as the applicability of three anatomic landmarks--zigoma, gonion and base of the mandible, for transcranian radiographs of the TMJ were studied. The radiographic method used in this study was the HIRTZ axial projection. The results of the measurements showed a great variation in the angle formed by the long axis of the condyles and the midsagittal plane, from 48 degrees-79 degrees (x = 63.73 degrees) for the right side, from 50 degrees-80 degrees (x = 67.43 degrees) for the left side. It was also observed that the use of the three anatomic landmarks must not be generalized, being more precisely indicated for tapering head and face.