The assessment of osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Clicking of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is not a normal occurrence. The clinical finding of chronic clicking of the joint can signify osseous changes and early signs of degenerative joint diseases. AIM: To compare osseous changes seen in the mandibular condyles of patients presenting at the Oral Health Centre, Tygerberg Campus, with and without clicking of the temporomandibular joint. METHODS: From amongst patients routinely attending the Oral Health Centre, a sample of 25 were selected as presenting with asymptomatic clicking of the temporomandibular joints. A matched sample of patients who did not demonstrate clicking was collected as a control. The mandibular condyles of both groups (N=100) were examined for erosions, flattening, lipping, sclerosis and osteophyte formation. RESULTS: The prevalence of sclerosis of the right joint in the study group was statistically significantly higher in comparison with the control group (P = 0.002). Age and gender showed no statistical significance between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Osseous changes were found in both the control and study groups but were more consistently found amongst those having asymptomatic clicks of the temporomandibular joints.