Factors influencing the articular eminence of the temporomandibular joint (Review)

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the most complex and evolved joint in humans, presents two articular surfaces: the condyle of the mandible and the articular eminence (AE) of the temporal bone. AE is the anterior root of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and has an anterior and a posterior slope, the latter being also known as the articular surface. AE is utterly important in the biomechanics of the TMJ, as the mandibular condyle slides along the posterior slope of the AE while the mandible moves. The aim of this review was to assess significant factors influencing the inclination of the AE, especially modifications caused by aging, biological sex or edentulism. Studies have reported variations in the angles of the slopes of the AE between medieval and recent human dry skulls, as well as between subjects of different racial origin. Recent articles have emphasized the significant role that tooth loss has on the flattening of the AE. Although some papers have described biological sex or age as factors which could be associated with differences in AE angulations, edentulism seems to be a significant factor impacting on the inclination of the AE.

Degenerative bony changes in the temporal component of the temporomandibular joint – review of the literature

“…The hypothesis of an association between TMJ OA/osteoarthrosis and dentofacial morphology was also discussed, as smaller and more posteriorly rotated mandibles were observed in Japanese females with TMJ OA/osteoarthrosis as compared to the control asymptomatic Japanese females [57]. Sagittal skeletal patterns as the Class II anteroposterior maxillomandibular relationship may predispose to diseases or complications [11,58]. Nevertheless, a 2019 analysis on CBCT images of 213 asymptomatic participants concluded that the prevalence of degenerative TMJ changes observed in the condyle or the articular fossa/AE did not vary in patients of different skeletal patterns [4].…”

“…It was classically established that bone remodeling occurs in regions exposed to high masticatory loads and for the TMJ these areas are the temporal eminence and the condylar process [9]. The AE of the temporal bone is the superoanterior area of the mandibular fossa, on which the condyle travels during mandibular movements [10,11]. Therefore, it would be normal to suspect or to look for degenerative changes at the level of the temporal component of the TMJ.…”

<p>Bentuk dan inklinasi eminensia artikularis serta kedalaman fossa glenoidalis berdasarkan usia ditinjau dari radiograf panoramik</p><p>Morphology and inclination of articular eminence and glenoid fossa depth based on age observed in panoramic radiograph</p>

“…Pertumbuhan dalam arah horizontal dilihat dari pergerakannya ke anterior, sedangkan pada pertumbuhan dalam arah vertikal terjadi dalam 3 fase : pada usia 6 bulan saat erupsi gigi pertama, antara usia 5 -6 tahun saat erupsi molar dan pada usia 9 -12 tahun, sehingga memengaruhi fungsi pengunyahan. 16 Nickel dkk 17 , mengemukakan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara pertumbuhan eminensia artikularis dengan kontak oklusal. Data tersebut didukung oleh sumber yang mengemukakan bahwa terdapat proses pertumbuhan sebelum selesainya erupsi gigi molar sulung.…”

Recovery of Post-Traumatic Temporomandibular Joint after Mandibular Fracture Immobilization: A Literature Review

“…It is characterized by a great variability of the articular eminence and influences the path of the condylar movements and the rotation degree of the disc over the condyle. It has a convex shape in relation to the sagittal plane and a slightly concave shape in relation to the transverse plane [5,6].…”

“…Synovial fluid has the role of lubricant and shock absorber and facilitates the smooth movements of jaws due to the friction decrease and cushioning of the articular cartilage in the TMJ. Three ligaments are associated with the TMJ: the temporomandibular ligament (major ligament; it prevents the mandible excessive retraction), the stylomandibular, and sphenomandibular ligaments (accessory ligaments; they are not directly attached to TMJ) [1,2,4,5].…”