Prevalence of Pneumatized Articular Tubercle Using Panoramic Radiography and Cone Beam-Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study

CONTEXT: In 1985, Tyndall and Matteson first described the air cells that occur in the root of zygomatic arch and in the articular eminence of the temporal bone but do not extend beyond the zygomaticotemporal suture. AIMS: The aim is to study the prevalence and patterns of pneumatized articular tubercle (PAT) retrospectively using two different imaging modalities, i.e., digital panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Total 3000 panoramic radiographs belonging to 1291 females and 1709 males and CBCT scans of 200 patients belonging to 62 females and 138 males were studied retrospectively and investigated for radiographic features of pneumatized articular tubercle. RESULTS: Prevalence found by using panoramic radiography is 1.96% and by using CBCT is 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS: This research scrutinizes the prevalence of pneumatized articular tubercle and establishes the prevalence of the same among the studied population, using panoramic radiography and CBCT.