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Clinical findings related to morphologic changes in TMJ autopsy specimens
F J Pereira1, H Lundh, P L Westesson
1Centre for Oral Health Sciences, Lund University, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) autopsy studies reveal frequent morphologic changes like arthrosis and disk displacement. However, these TMJ alterations often occur without noticeable pain or dysfunction in individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Previous temporomandibular joint (TMJ) autopsy studies lacked clinical correlation.
- Understanding the relationship between TMJ morphology and clinical symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical significance of TMJ morphologic changes.
- To associate macroscopic TMJ findings with pre-mortem clinical data.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of 19 individuals for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) signs and symptoms.
- Macroscopic autopsy analysis of 34 TMJs.
- Statistical association between clinical findings and morphologic alterations.
Main Results:
- Only a minority of individuals presented with TMD signs and symptoms.
- 31 out of 34 TMJs exhibited significant morphologic changes (e.g., deviation in form, arthrosis, disk displacement, adhesions).
- Crepitation was significantly associated with TMJ arthrosis.
Conclusions:
- The link between TMJ pain/dysfunction and joint morphology is intricate.
- Gross morphologic alterations in the TMJ can exist asymptomatically.