Radiographic morphology in the temporomandibular joint after diskectomy

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including internal derangement and osteoarthrosis, often necessitate surgical intervention.
• Diskectomy is a surgical procedure performed on the TMJ to address persistent symptoms.
• Evaluating long-term radiographic changes post-diskectomy is crucial for understanding treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the radiographic appearance of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after diskectomy.
• To compare postoperative radiographic findings with preoperative conditions in patients refractory to conservative treatments.

Main Methods:

• Radiographic examinations of the TMJ were conducted on 25 patients 1-17 years post-diskectomy.
• Preoperative and postoperative radiographs of both operated and non-operated TMJs were compared.

Main Results:

• All operated TMJs, except two, showed moderate to severe osteoarthrotic changes post-surgery.
• Flattening, irregularities, and bone apposition of the condylar head were common.
• Sclerotic changes and flattening of the fossa were observed in most patients; erosions were rare.
• Reduced joint space was noted in 18 patients.

Conclusions:

• Post-diskectomy radiographic changes in the TMJ are expected and represent a normal outcome.
• These radiographic findings, while resembling degenerative joint disease, do not appear to have clinical significance.
• Diskectomy can lead to significant radiographic alterations in the TMJ over time.