Gas in the temporomandibular joint: computed tomography findings. Report of 3 cases
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Updated: Oct 26, 2026

In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Niigata University School of Dentistry, Japan.
Abstract:
In each of 3 patients referred for computed tomographic examinations of the temporomandibular joint, a gas collection was observed in the inferior space of the joint. The gas was observed on the posterosuperior surface of the mandibular condyle in the open mouth position in each patient. Each of 2 patients had saucer-shaped bone resorption of the mandibular condyle adjacent to the gas; 1 patient had no remarkable bone abnormality. A history of temporomandibular joint puncture or facial trauma was denied by all 3 patients.
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