Age and gender differences in temporomandibular joint radiographic findings before orthodontic treatment in adolescents

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between abnormal temporomandibular joint radiographic findings and age or gender in a sample of young preorthodontic patients. Study Design. A total of 491 consecutive patients, aged 9 to 15 years, were referred for orthodontic records. Routine preorthodontic radiographs, including corrected sagittal tomographs, were taken for each patient and viewed by an observer blinded to clinical records. Temporomandibular joint radiographic findings were classified as normal or abnormal. For comparative purposes, the study population was divided into 2 age groups (9-11 years and 12-15 years). Results. Frequency of abnormal findings ranged from 2.4% to 11.5% and was similar for both sides. Temporal component abnormalities correlated with abnormalities of condylar position, joint space, and condylar osseous morphology. The frequency of osseous abnormalities was higher in girls and highest in older girls. Conclusions. There are significant differences between genders for some temporomandibular joint radiographic abnormalities, and in our study sample the frequency of abnormalities was highest in 12-to-15–year–old girls.( Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:380-5)