Are signs of degenerative joint associated with chin deviation

Purpose The degenerative joint changes commonly affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and result in chin deviation. However, the extent degenerative TMJ and chin deviation has not been well-characterized. This study aims to correlate degenerative TMJ with condylar volume, grayscale and chin deviation. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled women with skeletal Class III malocclusion. Cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired preoperatively. For each condyle, signs of degenerative TMJ were analyzed, condylar volume and grayscale were measured. The predictor variable was the presence of signs of degenerative TMJ, classified as categorical data; 0: if no presence; 1: only presence in 1 joint; 2: presence in both joints. The primary outcome variable was ≥3-mm chin deviation. Other associated variables were grouped by age, cephalometric data and 3-dimensional condylar measurements. Descriptive bivariate statistics were computed, and univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify association between degenerative TMJ and chin deviation. Results We included 85 patients, categorized into 10 degenerative TMJ signs and ≥3mm chin deviation group than in the ≤10 degenerative TMJ signs and Conclusion In women with skeletal Class III malocclusion, having >10 degenerative TMJ signs increased ≥3mm chin deviation prevalence. The presence of subcortical sclerosis in either 1 or 2 joints and volume differences between the 2 condyles were associated with chin deviation.