The anteroposterior, as well as the vertical growth of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were studied on corrected lateral cephalometric tomographs of ninety-one male and female subjects, age five to twenty years. Statistical analysis of measurements obtained from these tomograms showed that the antero-posterior width (APW) of the condyle, as well as the anterior joint space (ANTS), increased by age while the posterior joint space (POS) decreased, indicating that the condyle growth is in a posterior rather than anterior direction. The results also showed that the condyle-neck height (HCHT) increased by age while the superior joint space (SUPS) decreased, suggesting an upward vertical growth of the condyle. The maximum anterior posterior, as well as vertical growth, was found to occur at age 1 7 to 18 years. These findings would be helpful in further understanding the growth and development of the TMJ which might also have significant clinical implications in planning surgical and orthodontic interventions. We believe that any corrective surgical intervention in the TMJ would be better delayed till the age of 18 years, if possible, to allow for complete growth of the joint.

Saudi Dental Journal 1995;7(3):141-147