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Microscopic changes in the retrodiscal tissues of painful temporomandibular joints
F J Pereira1, H Lundh, L Eriksson
1Department of Stomatognathic Physiology, Centre for Oral Health Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and histological changes in TMJs with disc displacement.
Method:
Samples from capsules and posterior disc attachments from 27 TMJ pain patients who underwent surgery were compared with samples from seven asymptomatic persons.
Results:
On logistic regression analysis, retrodiscal tissues from the painful joints demonstrated a significantly higher density of fibroblasts, presence of narrowed and obliterated arterial lumens, and a significantly lower distribution of elastic fibers.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that there is a difference between painful and asymptomatic joints at the microscopic level.