Validity of Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Assessment of Morphological Bony Changes of Temporomandibular Joints

The aim of the current study was to correlate the clinical symptoms that are associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) to the osseous changes occurring in the affected temporomandibular joint (TMJ), as detected by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

The clinical data of patients that presented with TMJ symptoms was collected and correlated with the CBCT findings for the same patients. Patient recruitment took place over a 1-year period in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology department of the same academic institution.

There was a limited mouth opening (MO) (<3 cm). More importantly, there was a statistically significant positive relation between pain and loss of cortication.

There was no significant correlation between CBCT findings consistent with TMJ degeneration and clinical symptoms.

Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of the TMJ is important for providing information about the state and level of TMJ degeneration if any. However, clinical findings should be the most important factor when considering management options for symptomatic TMJ.