Abstract
Mandibular heads on selective frontal tomographs of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 208 Japanese patients with temporomandibular disorders were classified into four types and an other type according to the Yale's classification. A distribution of the Yale's type of mandibular condyle in female patients statistically showed no diference from that of an investigation on Japanese human dried speciemen. A classification (TAO) of the frontal features of condyle shape newly devised by authors was consisted of 3 alphabetical characters as a symbol, showing the position of a top of condyle, an angle of long axis of the condyle and an outline of the condylar head. The TAO classification was useful for evaluating an asymmetry in shape of patient's condyle and it also might be favour of assessing the joint morphology in relation to mandibular movements.
