The relationship between a dolichofacial morphology and bone adaptation of the articular tubercle

•Developmental characteristics of different orofacial structures are related.•A dolichofacial morphology could be related to growth disturbances.•Improper mechanism of bone remodeling may lead to a divergent jaw relationship.

ObjectivesAgainst the background of a possibly compromised functional adaptation, the relationship between the height of the articular tubercle was analyzed as a function of the amount of divergence between the maxilla and the mandible.DesignThese parameters were obtained retrospectively from orthopantomograms and lateral radiographs produced in a standard procedure before orthodontic treatment.ResultsThe height of the articular tubercle appeared to be significantly smaller in a group of patients with a dolichofacial morphology, with respect of those with an average (mesofacial) morphology. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the height of the articular tubercle and the mandibular angle.ConclusionsThese results suggest that bone remodeling in selected parts of the orofacial skeleton can be compromised giving rise to an altered craniofacial morphology.