Bone Changes in the Temporomandibular Joint: A Retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Dental Imaging
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are common, with bone changes in the joint being a significant factor.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a valuable tool for assessing TMJ morphology and detecting osseous alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of bone changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
• To analyze the distribution of these changes based on age and sex.
• To identify specific TMJ bone alterations using CBCT.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CBCT images from 483 individuals.
• Evaluation of TMJ condyles for flattening, osteophytes, sclerosis, erosion, and subchondral cysts.
• Statistical analysis using Pearson's chi-square test to correlate alterations with demographic variables.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence (91.5%) of at least one TMJ alteration was observed.
• Flattening (76.4%) was the most frequent finding, followed by osteophytes (53%) and sclerosis (32.3%).
• Osteophytes and erosion showed a significant increase with age, while gender did not show a significant association with alterations.

Conclusions:

• Degenerative TMJ bone changes are highly prevalent, with flattening being widespread.
• Specific changes like osteophytes and erosion are more common in older individuals, reflecting age-related bone remodeling.
• CBCT is effective in identifying TMJ bone alterations and their demographic associations.