Abstract:

Objective: Pneumatization is the presence of air filled cavities in a bone. They are seen in the root of the zygomatic arch of the temporal bone and in the articular eminence. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence and type of pneumatized articular eminence of the temporal bone (PAT) among the patients of the dental clinic and to explain its importance in maxillofacial surgery. Materials and Methods: Analysis of 8400 panoramic radiographs was performed. Age and sex of all the patients were recorded. Results: PAT was discovered in 334 patients, accounting for prevalence of 3.9%. For these 334 patients, 138 (41.3%) were male and 196 (58.7%) were female. Two hundred ninety (65.6%) occurred unilaterally and 115 (34.4%) bilaterally. Two hundred fifty one (55.9%) of PAT presented with multilocular type, 182 (40.5%) with unilocular type, and 16 (3.5%) with trabecular appearance. In 194 (58%) cases, PAT was located between the deepest point of the glenoid fossa to the crest of the articular eminence (grade 2), and in 140 (42%) cases, PAT extended beyond the crest of the articular eminence (grade 3). PATs were found more common in females in the third decade of life. Conclusion: Due to the fragile nature of these defect, surgeons who are planning to carry out temporomandibular joint surgery should be extra cautious when dealing with pneumatized articular eminence especially in third decade female people in population.

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