Bilharzial arthropathy of the temporomandibular joint

Bilharzial was experimentally induced in Swiss albino mice in order to study the histopathological changes in the TMJ in case of Bilharzial infection. The bony components of the joint showed massive chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. The articular disk (meniscus) showed thickening and hyperplastic changes with narrowing of the joint space. The articulating surfaces showed erosions and irregularity. It was concluded that Bilharziasis can cause arthropathy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).