Differences between the temporal and mandibular components of the temporomandibular joint in topographic distribution of osseous degenerative features on cone-beam computerized tomography

Abstract

Background/purpose Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) pathology is characterized by degenerative changes of the subchondral bone. The topographic distribution of osseous degenerative changes in TMJ is not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the topographic distribution of osseous degenerative features in the TMJ by using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods The CBCT images of 26 female patients diagnosed to have TMJOA were retrieved from the database of the National Taiwan University Hospital. The images of left and right TMJs were evaluated independently by 2 examiners. The evaluated degenerative features included surface erosion, subcortical cysts, subcortical sclerosis, and osteophytes in the mandibular condyle and temporal component of the TMJ. The topographic distribution at different portions in the mandibular condyle and temporal component of the TMJ was statistically analyzed. Results Significant differences in the topographic distribution of the osseous degenerative features were observed (a) between the mandibular condyle and the temporal component and (b) between the anterior/central portion and posterior portion of the temporal component. No significant differences were observed in the topographic distribution of the TMJOA features in the condyle, except for surface erosion between the central and lateral portion of the condyle. Conclusion The results suggest that the mandibular condyle and temporal component react differently in TMJ osseous degeneration, with the condyle being more vulnerable than the temporal component. Mandibular activities that require the mandibular condyle to function outside the fossa may be more destructive to the health and integrity of the TMJ.

Methods improvement for diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory diseases in the temporomandibular joint

“…The risk of developing arthritis and arthrosis increases with age. However, due to the disproportionate development of the skeleton in adolescence, TMJ osteoarthritis can also occur, often called juvenile or adolescent ( Tsai et al, 2021 , Leissner et al, 2021 ) ( Fig. 1 , Fig.…”

Accuracy and Security Analysis of a Cranio-Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery Robot Equipped With Piezosurgery in Genioplasty

“…In future progress studies, we will use tapered beam CT for adequate preoperative clinical and radiological assessments to pinpoint the optimal fixed position. 15,16 With the gradual increase of customized surgical programs, for the vast number of patients to improve the efficiency of surgery and predictable positioning, 17 we will also explore the craniofacial plastic surgery robot for each type of personalized surgery, such as preoperative drilling to reduce inoperation, shorten the anesthetic time, and reduce the surgery due to excessive time caused by postoperative complications. 18 The accuracy of the most commonly used optical positioning systems can already be up to 1 mm in error, which is accepted for craniofacial surgery.…”

Degenerative bony changes in the temporal component of the temporomandibular joint – review of the literature

“…The condyle-articular disc-AE complex adapts to forces in the TMJ region [50]. Naturally, the mechanical loading generated during TMJ function is distributed to the condyle and glenoid fossa leading to remodeling of joint's components as an essential adaptation biological response [17,34,51]. Therefore, disturbed remodeling of bony articulating structures happens as a failure to adapt appropriately to the mechanical loading in the area, as well as/or because of an increased or persistent overloading functions [17,32,52,53].…”

“…It is well known that the progressive joint remodeling of the TMJ leads to bone changes in the mandibular fossa, commonly found in osteoarthritis (OA) [12][13][14][15]. However, many research groups have written that the TMJ osseous degenerative features were more frequently encountered in the condyle rather than at the level of the AE or articular fossa [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. Nevertheless, a complex understanding of TMJ degenerative bony modifications is essential for a correct diagnosis and management of the TMD [21,24].…”