Evaluation of pneumatized articular eminence and glenoid fossa on CBCT in a group of Turkish children

Objectives

Pneumatized articular tubercle/eminence (PAT) and glenoid fossa (PGF) are important air gaps in the skull bone. Aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and radiographic features of PAT and PGF in a group of children by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

CBCT images of 120 patients (71 males, 49 females, age range 4–16 years) were retrospectively examined in terms of prevalence and characteristic features of pneumatizations and the findings were recorded according to age and gender.

Results

In our study, 40.2% PGF and 32.2% PAT were detected. The youngest patient with pneumatization was seven years old. PGF and PAT were observed less in females (PGF: 23, PAT: 10) than males (PGF: 33, PAT: 16); but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). PGF was also observed in all cases with PAT. There was a statistically significant relationship between PGF and PAT (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This current study results demonstrate that the pneumatization of accessory air cells starts before puberty, surprisingly. Pneumatic cavities that can increase the risk of spread of infection such as tumour, inflammation and fractures should not be overlooked in children before puberty.