Loose joint bodies of the temporomandibular joint: a case report

Osteochondral loose bodies are an uncommon finding in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but occur relatively frequently in large joints such as the knee, elbow, hip, wrist, and ankle. Loose joint bodies can be divided in three groups: 1) synovial chondromatosis; 2) osteochondral fracture fragments and; 3) cases of degenerative arthritis or avascular necrosis. The most common clinical features of loose joint bodies are pain, swelling, joint noise and impaired joint movements. A case of loose joint bodies of the temporomandibular joint is presented. The pantomograph and lateral cephalograph revealed several irregularly shaped, variably sized radiopaque structures in the region of the right temporomandibular joint. CT and MR scans confirmed the initial diagnosis. The dimensions of the loose joint bodies varied from 1-2 to 5-6 mm. In this patient, the loose joint bodies may have been secondary to osteoarthritis, may have preceded and caused the degenerative changes, or may be only a coincidental finding.