Clinical correlation of Osseous changes in CT for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders: A Prospective study

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint disorder, as suggested by Bell, which constitutes joint and masticatory system has heterogenous collection of signs and symptoms. Multiple imaging avenues are available to evaluate TMJ disorders. It is extremely useful for revealing the skeletal abnormalities of the TMJ and has excellent predictive value. AIM: The aim of this study is to correlate the clinical characteristics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder with osseous changes in CT. Methodology: A Prospective analytical study was conducted among 15 patients with symptomatic temporomandibular joint disorders. Patients were clinically examined and parameters were recorded. CT images were taken and interpreted for articular eminence morphology, condylar changes and glenoid thickness. Clinical parameters were then correlated with CT findings. Data was analysed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Sigmoid was the most prevalent articular eminence morphology on both right (80.0%) and left (60.0%) TMJ. Normal condyle was predominantly found in both TMJ (80.0%) followed by flattened condyle (20.0%). The glenoid fossa thickness showed variation of 0.1 and 0.2 mm respectively in the right and left side between normal and flattened condyle. CONCLUSION: Though we have correlated numerous clinical and radiographic features we couldn’t staunchly correlate osseous changes in CT for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders which may be due to smaller sample size.