Relationship between clinical and radiographic findings in patients with mandibular pain or dysfunction

The diagnosis of organic disease of the temporomandibular joint is often based on radiographic findings. The relationship between the radiographic findings in this joint and in hand joints, and clinical findings in the masticatory system, was analysed. The results showed that patients with crepitation of the temporomandibular joint frequently have radiographic abnormalities in this joint and in hand joints. Subcortical sclerosis and reduced joint space were significantly correlated with the number of occluding pairs of molar teeth.