Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Stability After Orthognathic Surgery.

Purpose Ensuring that the condyle is appropriately positioned and that positional changes are minimal is considered crucial for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to function without symptoms after orthognathic surgery. The purposes of this study were to evaluate condylar changes after surgery and to examine the association between these changes and TMJ symptoms. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent orthognathic surgery. Linear and angular changes in the positioning of the condyle were measured by superimposing 3-dimensional computed tomograms taken before surgery and 3 months after surgery. Clinical symptoms of TMJ pain and sound were recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Possible associations between TMJ symptoms and clinical variables, such as postoperative condylar changes, were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Linear condylar displacement after orthognathic surgery occurred predominantly in the anterior, medial, and inferior directions, with minimal changes ( Conclusions Within the ranges of linear (