Bilateral degenerative changes and deviation in form of temporomandibular joints. An autopsy study of elderly individuals.

Abstract

The right and left temporomandibular joints were removed as blocks from the skulls of 22 individuals in the 60-89-year-old age group at autopsy. The skulls were examined to determine the number and position of teeth and dentures. The articular surfaces of the joints were examined macroscopically for topographical distribution and degree of degenerative changes and topographical distribution of deviation in form. Indices of degenerative changes and of deviation in form were proposed. Correlations were found between the right and left joints with respect to both indices for degenerative changes and deviation in form. The indices were also correlated with each other within the same joint. A sex difference was found for degenerative changes and deviation in form, with the most advanced changes in the joints of women. It was concluded that degenerative changes and deviation in form in this age group were correlated between right and left joints and within the same joint.