Condylar reshaping in a TMD patient after ortho-prosthetic treatment: A 20-year follow-up case report

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) involve different conditions with similar symptoms and signs affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), the muscles of mastication, or both. The symptoms and signs of TMDs are several: pain and tenderness in and around the TMJs and muscles of mastication, limitation and lack of coordination in jaw movement, joint sounds – clicking and/or crepitus, episodes of closed lock or open lock, headaches. In the TMD, degenerative joint disease (DJD), also called osteoarthritis (OA), may be a local condition or part of a systemic disease. According to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders RDC/TMD, OA involves the presence of reported symptoms and clinical signs. As regards the possible causes, the literature indicates that mechanical load may act as a trigger factor for a various degenerative modification resulting in con-dylar resorption when host remodeling capacity is lost. Although the role of occlusion in the etiology of TMD is not absolutely assessed, occlusal interferences could affect TMD. The aim of this case report is to present the history over time (20 years follow-up) of a female adult patient with osteoarthritis of TMJs, who showed an adaptative reshaping of the condyles and to consider the possible relation with orthodontic treatment and occlusal rehabilitation. Key words: TMD, osteoarthritis, condylar reshaping, adult treatment.