Morphometric Analysis of Temporomandibular Joints and Masseter Muscles in Khat Chewers Yemeni Population Using Computed Tomography

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze morphologic changesofTemporomandibular Joints and Masseter Muscles in Khat Chewers Yemeni Population Using Computed Tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: A descriptive analytical study was performed on 255 Yemenis subjects(128) (52.9%)were males and 127(47.1%) were females. 135 (52.9%) of them wereKhat chewers and 120 (47.1%) Non chewers.CT scan was performed for each participant in Radiology department of University of Science and Technology Hospital, Sana�a City-Yemen. The measurements of temporomandibular joints, massetermuscles and mandibular condyles obtained from axial and coronal sections, soft tissue and bone windows usingRadiAnt DICOM Viewer. The measurements were compared between Khat chewers and Non-Khat chewers and correlated with frequency and duration of Khat chewing. Results: The mean and standard deviation of temporomandibular joints, masseter muscles and condylar thickness measurements were higher in Khat chewers than Non-Khat chewers with statistical significant difference (p<0.05). The width of mandibular condyles was higher in Khat chewers than Non-Khat chewers with no statistical significant difference (p>0.05). No relation between measurements andduration and frequency of Khat chewing, also there was no relation as found between dental loss and Khat chewing. Conclusion:The measurements of temporomandibular joints, masseter muscles and mandibular condyles was higher in Khat chewers than Non-Khat chewers.