مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a case report

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral reduction in condylar size together with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms can be due to bone destruction as a result of TMJ osteoarthritis or other arthrides. Condylar hypoplasia due to childhood trauma or radiotherapy together with secondary TMJ problem should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. CASE REPORT: Fourty six-year-old female patient attended with the complaint of TMJ pain. Extraoral examination revealed deviation, crepitus and mild pain on the right TMJ and subluxation on the left side. Range of motion was within normal limits. Cortical bone loss and deviation in form were detected on panoramic radiographs. Computed tomography examination and rheumatologic consultation was made. The complaints of the patient disappeared after prosthetic restoration. The patient was diagnosed with TMJ osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Osteoarthritis, poliarthrides, and hypoplastic condyle demonstrating degenerative changes should be included in the differential diagnosis when condylar morphologic changes on radiographs accompany clinical TMJ symptoms. Besides clinical and radiographic findings, cross-sectional imaging techniques and rheumatological asessment should be used for definitive diagnosis.