Evaluation of osteoarthritic changes in the temporomandibular joint and their correlations with age: A retrospective CBCT study

Abstract

Background. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables the radiographic examination and evaluation of osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of various bony changes in TMJ in patients from a wide age range as well as to evaluate the CBCT findings of TMJ osteoarthritis (OA) and correlate them with age. Material and methods.The study included the CBCT images of 150 patients (43 males and 107 females) who were refferred to the Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology for the evaluation of TMJs. Each TMJ was evaluated separately for the presence of any osseous changes in the condylar head or articular fossa/eminence, and for joint space narrowing.Results. The mean age of the sample was 37.26 years (range: 10-90 years). A total of 101 (67.3%) patients presented 1 or more osseous changes. No significant differences were found between the right and left TMJs concerning the prevalence rates of osseous changes. Significant differences were found in the mean ages with regard to the absence and presence of the following findings: condylar erosion, osteophytes, loose bodies, erosion in the articular fossa, and joint space narrowing. Conclusions.Degenerative changes in TMJ may reflect an age-related bone remodeling process. Older patients may have more common findings of OA, such as condylar and articular erosion, osteophytes, loose joint bodies, and joint space narrowing.

Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of degenerative changes, condylar excursions and positioning and possible correlations with temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms

“…These findings are consistent with the characteristics reported in the literature 7,8,20,21 . However, given the wide age range, age-related degenerative changes could be present in this sample 22,23 .…”

“…However, asymptomatic individuals can also present degenerative changes on CBCT, and such findings should be exclusively used with care 12 . In older age groups, TMD patients are expected to exhibit more degenerative bony changes 22,23 .…”

Heterotopic ossification after alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement: a case cohort study

“…Temporomandibular joint diseases can seriously affect the patients' joint function and quality of life. With the raise of age, the abnormal joint anatomy, occlusal disorders, high mental pressure and the bruxism caused by it, etc., TMJ diseases are getting more and more popular [15][16][17][18]. In addition, temporomandibular joint diseases are more common in women [1].…”

Cone-beam computed tomographic characteristics in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease patients with chewing side preference

“…The patients who sought treatment of DJD and underwent CBCT examination in the Department of Stomatology at Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital engaged in the study. Considering the effects of aging on bone morphology [10,24,25], the inclusive criteria were as follows: age between 16 and 45 years old, willingness to participate in the study, and patients were diagnosed with DJD according to DC/TMD [7], but had not received treatment. The exclusion criteria were as follows: age less than 16 years and above 45 years, acute traumatic injury, temporomandibular joint ankylosis and oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, severe malocclusion, previous joint surgery, radiotherapy and orthodontic treatment.…”