Prevalence of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritic Changes Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography in South Indian Population

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by synovitis, cartilage destruction, and subchondral bone remodeling and it is an age-related disorder. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is used for diagnosis of degenerative changes in TMJ, at the same time ensuring lower radiation dose, a shorter exposure time, and a higher spatial resolution. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of osteoarthritic changes of TMJ using CBCT. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty CBCT images were collected from the department database and the condylar morphology and the degenerative changes were evaluated in the coronal and sagittal sections. The CBCT images which had changes were only included in the study. The left and right TMJ were evaluated separately. Results: In our study, the prevalence of osteoarthritic changes of TMJ was higher in females than males. TMJ on the right side was more affected than the left side. Among the study population, 40–49 years age group had extensive changes than other age groups, and severity increases in the older age group. The flattening was the most common change, followed by thinning, erosion, osteophyte, and sclerosis. Conclusion: The study revealed that there is significant gender- and age-related variation in the osteoarthritic changes of TMJ. This study showed that the occurrence of degenerative changes is much higher in females and the prevalence increases with advancement of age and was also seen in younger age groups. The occurrence of osteoarthritic changes was also much prevalent among the population.