Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, cilt.117, sa.3, 2014 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective This study aimed to assess the superior semicircular canal (SSCC) morphology and to determine whether superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) correlates with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms. Study Design Clinical data and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 175 patients were retrospectively examined by 2 observers. Distribution and thickness measurements of the different types of bone cover of the SSCC were performed. Results Five radiologic SSCC patterns were identified from CBCT data: 147 cases (42%) were defined as normal (0.6-1.7 mm thickness); 62 cases (17.71%) had a papyraceous pattern (<0.5 mm); 77 cases (22%) showed a thick pattern (>1.8 mm); and 42 cases (12%) had a pneumatized pattern. Observer 1 and 2 diagnosed SSCD in 22 of 350 (6.28%) temporal bones individually and had no discordances between the 2 reviews. All patients with SSCD were identified as having TMJ signs and symptoms (P <.05). Conclusions Maxillofacial radiologists should be informed about these structures, which can be helpful for the interpretation of CBCT scans.