Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a critical role in maintaining a functional occlusal relationship and stable stomatognathic system. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the morphology of the condyle, glenoid fossa, and joint space in relation to vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns in a sample of 30 orthodontic patients from the Dakshina Kannada population. Materials & Methods: Using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for precise 3D imaging, the study assessed variations in condylar size, fossa dimensions, and joint space across Class I, II, III malocclusions and normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent growth patterns. Results: Results showed no significant difference in condylar width and length between sagittal and vertical groups. However, a significant difference in condylar height was observed between sagittal groups, with Class III patients exhibiting larger condylar height compared to Class I. No significant differences were found in the glenoid fossa dimensions or joint space measurements. These findings suggest that while condylar height varies across sagittal skeletal patterns, other TMJ dimensions remain consistent regardless of vertical and sagittal alignment. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding TMJ morphology for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics, especially regarding condylar height variations in different skeletal patterns. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to deepen the understanding of TMJ morphology and its impact on orthodontic outcomes.

Condylar dimensions TMJ morphology skeletal patterns CBCT Orthodontic treatment planning.

The mandibular condyle and the glenoid fossa at the base of the cranium form the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. In order to maintain excellent occlusion and a stable stomatognathic system, this joint's function is essential. Since orthodontic and surgical procedures can alter the condyle-fossa relationship, knowledge of articular features may be essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.

The shape and position of the TMJ can be influenced by a number of factors, such as age, gender, the pattern of facial growth, pathological and functional changes, and alterations in dental occlusion. Given that form and function are believed to be intimately related, the temporomandibular joint's (TMJ) morphology may be associated with functional forces. One could speculate that the condyle and the fossa may differ in shape amongst individuals with varied malocclusions given that the mandible and the TMJ can be loaded differently in people with different dentofacial morphologies 1.

Clinicians can better diagnose and treat patients by evaluating the existing issues, detecting the early start of degenerative joint diseases, and understanding the optimum relationship between the condyle and the glenoid fossa. Knowing the frequent condylar variations brought on by the patients' skeletal patterns may help with temporomandibular joint diseases diagnosis and comprehension of temporomandibular disorders.

Large condyles, according to Arnett, offer stable support for occlusal alterations and are linked to several Class III malocclusions as well as some Class II. Because of a tight fit between the fossa and condyle, condyles are thought to be more resistant to displacement. Inversely small condyles usually associated with Class II malocclusion, offer unstable support for occlusal alterations, and are easily displaced because condyle, fossa, and capsule fit are loose.

However, the superimposition of nearby structures reduces the diagnostic utility of these 2D approaches, making them occasionally insufficient. As a result, both the condylar and temporal components have poor sensitivity to bone alterations. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides various advantages over conventional computed tomographic methods, and a high level of accuracy can be reached when analysing the TMJ region. Advances in 3-dimensional (3D) imaging have made it possible to analyse the TMJ more thoroughly than ever before. When comparing various imaging methods, CBCT provides a few benefits above conventional two-dimensional radiography. It has been demonstrated that CBCT creates high-resolution, unexpanded, three-dimensional pictures that can be used to determine the number and quality of bones. Other benefits of CBCT include cost savings over CT imaging and faster scan times with lower patient absorbed doses.

The research question formulated for this study is, is there a difference in morphology of the condyle, glenoid fossa and joint space in relation to vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns? The corresponding null hypothesis is there is no difference in morphology of the condyle, glenoid fossa and joint space in relation to vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. And the alternate hypothesis is there is difference in morphology of the condyle, glenoid fossa and joint space in relation to vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns.

This study aims to evaluate the differences in the morphology of the condyle, glenoid fossa and joint space in relation to vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns in Dakshina Kannada population. And the objectives of the study are to determine condylar size, glenoid fossa size and condyle to fossa joint space in Class I, II, III and Normodivergent, Hypodivergent, Hyperdivergent patients and comparison of measurements among these three sagittal and vertical groups.