Morphological Changes in the Internal Structure of the Articular Eminence of the Temporal Bone during Growth from Deciduous to Early Mixed Dentition

Previously, bio-mechanical studies on the temporomandibular joint have concentrated mainly on the mandibular condyle while the articular eminence has been largely overlooked. Furthermore, research on the mechanical properties of bone using finite element analysis has focused on cortical bone in preference to cancellous bone. In this study, morphological changes in the internal structure of the articular eminence, as related to child growth, were examined using micro-computerized tomography (Micro-CT). Morphometric analysis of cancellous bone, representing both deciduous and early mixed dentitions, showed an increase in the bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness in the early mixed dentition. Finite element analysis indicated a directional transmission of stress. These results suggest that the morphology of the trabecular bone alters to adapt to the functional growth change from deciduous to early mixed dentition.