Degenerative joint disease. Part I: Diagnosis and management considerations

Degenerative joint disease, primarily in the form of osteoarthrosis, affects the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) with symptoms similar to those found in other body joints. These symptoms include stiffness, pain, restriction of movement, inflammation, crepitus and radiographic changes. Symptoms can occur in both males and females at any age, starting with pre-adolescent, but most often occur in females age 30 and over. Most symptoms will last nine to 18 months (followed by remission) and are managed using anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, occlusal splints and dietary changes. Major areas for consideration in this article include epidemiology, signs and symptoms, radiography, etiopathology and symptom management.