The human mandibular intercondylar angle measured by computed tomography

In axial computed tomography it is possible to measure the intercondylar angle at the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the condyles. Published values range from 131 to 165°. This angle was determined here in two groups of patients with (n=22) and without (n=12) temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A third group of children (n=12) aged 4–9 years was included to investigate any age-related change in the angle. In the group of healthy individuals, a range of 105 to 165° was found, with a mean intercondylar angle of 139°. In the group with temporomandibular joint dysfunction the mean angle was 143° with a range from 85 to 170°. No statistically significant relation could be shown between intercondylar angle and joint dysfunction. In the group of children the mean angle was 138° with values ranging from 90 to 180°. No significant differences could be demonstrated among the groups. The absolute value of the intercondylar angle seems to be independent of factors such as sex, age and functional disorders of the joint.