Radiographic signs in the TMJ and finger joints in elderly people

Radiographic signs in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and finger joints were investigated in a series of 139 residents of elderly people's homes using panoramic tomographs and dorso-volar radiographs. Radiographic signs in TMJs were found in 14% of the subjects, whereas all subjects had signs in at least one finger joint. The TMJs of men and women were equally affected, whereas signs in finger joints were more severe in women. No correlation was found between radiographic signs in TMJs and finger joints, suggesting that most signs in TMJs are probably due to local factors.