Can antegonial notch angular measurements on lateral cephalometry be used to monitor children following TMJ ankylosis treatment?
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research aims to introduce using antegonial notch angular measurements on lateral cephalometry as a simple low-dose radiographic approach for monitoring mandibular growth in children after TMJA treatment. This retrospective cohort study used dental records to identify eligible patients: healthy children with true unilateral TMJA who underwent conservative gap arthroplasty followed by post-operative physiotherapy. The primary outcome was changes in antegonial notch angular measurements over time. Secondary outcomes included correlations between antegonial notch angular measurements and two growth-related conventional cephalometric angles (SNB and ANB). We also explored the relationship between changes in antegonial notch angle over time and study covariates. Eleven patients aged 4 to 9.5 years with unilateral bony TMJA for periods ranging from 9 to 20 months who had undergone conservative gap arthroplasty followed by physiotherapy were included. Significant increases were observed in antegonial notch angles on both the affected and non-affected sides after treatment (p < .05), indicating resumed mandibular growth. Although the affected side remained significantly smaller than the non-affected side at both timepoints (p= 0.033 and 0.005), asymmetry did not change significantly over time (p= 0.273), suggesting parallel bilateral growth. Positive correlations were found between antegonial notch changes and SNB (p= 0.039–0.047). Multivariate regression indicated that TMJA duration significantly influenced changes in the affected-side notch angle (p= 0.004). Based on these preliminary data, antegonial notch angular measurements on lateral cephalometric radiographs may offer a simple, reliable, and low-radiation alternative for monitoring mandibular growth in children after TMJA treatment. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to support our findings.
Source: Figshare
Authors: Fahd, Ali, Temerek, Ahmed Talaat, Ellabban, Mohamed T., Meloto, Carolina B., Khater, Ahmad G. A.
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6902368799
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