Evaluation of the correlation between disc displacements and degenerative bone changes of the temporomandibular joint by means of magnetic resonance images

The aim was to evaluate the correlation between disc displacements and degenerative bone changes in magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 112 patients of both genders, with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. For this purpose, a calibrated examiner evaluated 224 MRI by assigning scores for the displacement of the disc and degenerative bone changes. Disc displacement was found in 58.42% of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) evaluated. Anterior displacement of the disc with reduction was the most common, occurring in 67.18% cases of joints with disc displacement. Degenerative bone changes were observed in 53.94% of the TMJs analysed. There was significant correlation between disc displacement with reduction and condylar flattening, disc displacement without reduction and condylar flattening, disc displacement without reduction, and associated degenerative bone changes (flattening and erosion, flattening, osteophyte and erosion; flattening and osteophytes, erosion and sclerosis, flattening and sclerosis, flattening, osteophytes and sclerosis). The correlation between advanced cases of disc displacement and the occurrence of degenerative bone changes emphasises the importance of MRI for an accurate diagnosis and development of an appropriate treatment plan and in cases in which clinical examination is not sufficient for these purposes.     

Bone marrow edema of the mandibular condyle related to internal derangement, osteoarthrosis, and joint effusion.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate whether common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement, osteoarthrosis, and effusion may predict the diagnostic group of bone marrow edema of the mandibular condyle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relationship between bone marrow edema and TMJ disc displacement, osteoarthrosis, and effusion was analyzed in MRIs of 120 TMJs in 73 consecutive patients with TMJ pain and/or a clinical diagnosis of TMJ internal derangement type III (disc displacement without reduction). The diagnostic bone marrow edema group was comprised of 54 TMJs in 40 patients with a unilateral or bilateral MRI diagnosis of bone marrow edema. The control group consisted of 66 non-bone marrow edema TMJs in 33 patients with a bilateral MRI finding of an absence of bone marrow edema. A logistic regression analysis was used to compute the odds ratios for internal derangement, osteoarthrosis, and effusion for non-bone marrow edema TMJs (n = 66) versus TMJs with bone marrow edema (n = 54). RESULTS: Using Chi;(2) analysis for pair-wise comparison, the TMJ-related data showed a significant relationship between the MR imaging findings of TMJ bone marrow edema and those of internal derangement (P = .000), osteoarthrosis (P = .000), and effusion (P = .010). Of the MRI variables considered simultaneously in the multiple logistic regression analysis, osteoarthrosis (P = .107) and effusion (P = .102) dropped out as nonsignificant in the diagnostic bone marrow edema group when compared with the control group. The odds ratio for individuals with an internal derangement showing bone marrow edema was strong (3.6:1) and highly significant (P = .000). Significant increases in risk of bone marrow edema occurred with disc displacement without reduction and osteoarthrosis (9.2:1) (P = .000) and disc displacement without reduction and effusion (6.4:1) (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the MR imaging findings for TMJ bone marrow edema are related to those of internal derangement, osteoarthrosis, and effusion. However, the data re-emphasize the aspect that internal derangement, osteoarthrosis, and effusion may not be regarded as the unique and dominant factors in defining TMJ bone marrow edema instances.     

Morphometric analysis of the mandibular fossa in dentate and edentulous patients: A cone beam computed tomography study

Statement of problemMandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination could be associated with the presence of bone changes in the mandibular condyle in dentate and edentulous patients. However, literature regarding the relationship between the presence and absence of teeth and the morphologic features of the temporomandibular joint is lacking. This knowledge could provide a better understanding of changes affecting the correct functioning of the stomatognathic system.PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to assess the mandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination in relation to sex, presence or absence of teeth, and bone changes in the mandibular condyle through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Material and methodsCBCT scans of 100 individuals (50 dentate and 50 edentulous) were evaluated in terms of mandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination. Bone changes in the mandibular condyle were classified dichotomously in relation to osteophytes, erosion, sclerosis, and flattening. Differences were assessed with the Student t test, the chi-square test, and 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Tukey post hoc tests (α=.05).ResultsSex was not related to mandibular fossa measurements. Edentulous participants showed a higher mandibular fossa lateral inclination (P<.001) and lower roof thickness (P=.001) than dentate participants. When the association between bone changes in the mandibular condyle was evaluated in dentate and edentulous groups, only sclerosis showed a statistically significant association (P<.001). The 2-way ANOVA showed that the mandibular fossa roof thickness was lower in edentulous participants in the presence of flattening and erosion and that the mandibular fossa lateral inclination was higher in the presence of osteophytes, erosion, and sclerosis (P<.001). Among dentate participants, the mandibular fossa lateral inclination was higher in the presence of flattening (P=.024).ConclusionsMandibular fossa roof thickness and lateral inclination are not associated with sex. However, tooth absence and bone changes in the mandibular condyle are related to mandibular fossa measurements.     

In vivo morphometric analysis of inflammatory condylar changes in rat temporomandibular joint

Oral Diseases (2011) 17 , 499–507 Objective: Injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) causes acute swelling around the joint and subsequent morphological alterations in the condyle. We aimed to evaluate changes in the three‐dimensional architecture of the condyle induced with CFA. Materials and methods: The CFA was injected into the unilateral TMJ of rats and morphological changes in the condyle were assessed repeatedly for 14 days by in vivo micro‐CT. Results: Osseous abnormalities of condyle were first observed at 3–5 days after CFA injection on the tomographic images, and the condylar deformation became more obvious thereafter. Among 12 condyles examined at 14 days postinjection, osteophytosis was observed in all of the specimens and bone erosion coexisted in five condyles. None of the saline‐treated condyles showed architectural changes. Significant changes were detected in the mesiolateral and rostrocaudal widths of the CFA‐treated condyles at 10–14 days postinjection (P < 0.01). The extent of both condylar bone formation and resorption was greater in the CFA‐injected TMJs than in saline‐injected TMJs (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that CFA causes dynamic morphological changes in the condyle and that our experimental approach will provide new insights into the subacute inflammatory processes in the TMJ.     

Association between disk position and degenerative bone changes of the temporomandibular joints: an imaging study in subjects with TMD

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and relationship between disk position and degenerative bone changes in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), in subjects with internal derangement (ID). MRI and CT scans of 180 subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) were studied. Different image parameters or characteristics were observed, such as disk position, joint effusion, condyle movement, degenerative bone changes (flattened, cortical erosions and irregularities), osteophytes, subchondral cysts and idiopathic condyle resorption. The present study concluded that there is a significant association between disk displacement without reduction and degenerative bone changes in patients with TMD. The study also found a high probability of degenerative bone changes when disk displacement without reduction is present. No association was found between TMD and condyle range of motion, joint effusion and/or degenerative bone changes. The following were the most frequent morphological changes observed: flattening of the anterior surface of the condyle; followed by erosions and irregularities of the joint surfaces; flattening of the articular surface of the temporal eminence, subchondral cysts, osteophytes; and idiopathic condyle resorption, in decreasing order.     

Medical Managed Care for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain

Abstract

This study investigated the differences of age distribution and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain between marrow edema and osteonecrosis in the mandibular condyle. Subjects consisted of 35 TMJs in 35 patients with abnormal bone marrow on MR images who were selected from a consecutive series of 527 patients with TMJ disorders. Proton density and T2-weighted MR images taken in the oblique sagittal and coronal planes were used to diagnose condylar marrow abnormalities and divide them into either edema or osteonecrosis. The differences in TMJ pain and age distribution for these two abnormalities were assessed with the one-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test with 0.05 alpha level.The degree of pain was higher in joints with marrow edema than in joints with osteonecrosis (p=0.033). The mean age was higher in joints with osteonecrosis (p<0.001). Our results suggest that there is more severe pain in TMJs with marrow edema of the mandibular condyle than in those with osteonecrosis. Since the patients with marrow edema have lower age, it also appears that marrow edema may be a precursor condition for osteonecrosis of the TMJ.     

The effect of interocclusal appliances on temporomandibular joints as assessed by 3D reconstruction of MRI scans

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables simultaneous visualization of hard and soft tissues. The aims of the present study were to computer generate three-dimensional (3D) images, reconstructed from MRI scans of normal temporomandibular joints (TMJ), to assess the relative positions of the disc, condyle and articular surface of the temporal bone and to study the effect of two mandibular group function interocclusal appliances (IOAs). Bilateral MRI scans of 2 mm slice thickness were generated for the TMJs of 12 asymptomatic subjects with the image acquisition coils orientated in a corrected oblique sagittal plane. MRI scans were generated for all subjects with 3 mm interincisal distance IOAs, while a subgroup (n = 4) was also scanned with a 5 mm interincisal IOA in situ. An average of 10 slices through each TMJ were generated for the closed mouth and IOA positions. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on a 486 IBM compatible computer using a suite of nine programs not commercially available. Three-dimensional images allowed visualization of composite images of joint relationships. Subjective assessment indicated that joint relations in 3D were more informative than multiple separate 2D MRI scans. With the 3 mm IOA in situ, the disc was positioned posteriorly and superiorly to the condyle in three of 12 cases. In four of 12 cases the condyle, and in two of 12 cases both the disc and condyle, were positioned anteriorly and inferiorly. With the 5 mm IOA changes in condyle/disc and condyle/fossa relationships were more variable. It was concluded that 3D images of TMJs enabled the assessment of the positional changes of the condyle/disc and condyle/fossa relationships as altered by IOAs. However, the role of IOAs on the internal arrangements within the TMJ remains variable and is deserving of further study.     

Effect of the interaction between periodontitis and type 1 diabetes mellitus on alveolar bone,mandibular condyle and tibia

Objective. This study examined the effect of the interaction between periodontitis and type 1 diabetes mellitus on alveolar bone, mandibular condyle and tibia in animal models. Materials and methods. Rats were divided into normal, periodontitis, diabetic and diabetic with periodontitis groups. After injection of streptozotocin to induce diabetes, periodontitis was induced by ligation of both lower-side first molars for 30 days. Alveolar bone loss and trabecular bone volume fraction (BVF) of the mandibular condyle and tibia were estimated via hematoxylin and eosin staining and micro-computed tomography, respectively. Osteoclastogenesis of bone marrow cells isolated from tibia and femur was assayed using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Results. The cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest distance and ratio of periodontal ligament area in the diabetic with periodontitis group were significantly increased compared to those of the periodontitis group. Mandibular condyle BVF did not differ among groups. The BVF of tibia in the diabetic and diabetic with periodontitis groups was lower than that of the normal and periodontitis groups. Osteoclastogenesis of bone marrow cells in the diabetic groups was higher than that in the non-diabetic groups. However, the BVF of tibia and osteoclastogenesis in the diabetic with periodontitis group were not significantly different than those in the diabetic group. Conclusions. Type 1 diabetes mellitus aggravates alveolar bone loss induced by periodontitis, but periodontitis does not alter the mandibular condyle and tibia bone loss induced by diabetes. Alveolar bone, mandibular condyle and tibia may have different responses to bone loss stimuli in the diabetic environment.     

Signal intensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images of condylar marrow changes correspond with slight pain in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

Objectives

Edema and necrosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been described in terms of bone marrow signal abnormalities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, painful joints often show no such signaling abnormalities, making the diagnosis of TMJ disorders difficult in the clinical setting. An association has been suggested between TMJ bone marrow change and TMJ pain, but even when such change results in slight pain, it may be too slight to be visually apparent on MR images. We hypothesized that fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) can be used to detect such minimal changes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between signal intensity on FLAIR images and pain in the TMJ.

Methods

The study included 85 TMJs in 45 patients referred to our department for MRI. The signal intensity on FLAIR images was measured. Pain was evaluated based on the visual analog scale. An unpaired t test and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient were used for the statistical analysis. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Signal intensity on the FLAIR images was significantly higher in painful than in nonpainful TMJs, although a significant correlation was not observed between the signal intensity and the pain score.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest an association between abnormalities in the marrow of the mandibular condyle and pain. They also indicate that FLAIR imaging is a useful tool in the clinical diagnosis of painful TMJs.     

MR Evidence of Characteristics in Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint: Increased Signal Intensity Ratio on Proton Density-Weighted Images of Bone Marrow in the Mandibular Condyle

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the presence of pain and a correlation between pain and characteristics of signal intensity of mandibular bone marrow in temporomandibular joints (TMJ) with osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 196 joints in 98 patients with TMJ disorders were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A pain score and signal intensity on mandibular bone marrow were analyzed in the TMJ with OA. TMJ with OA showed a higher degree of pain compared to those without (p<0.05). During opening, the joints in the higher signal intensity group showed a significantly higher degree of pain compared to the joints in the lower signal intensity group in those with OA on proton density weighted images (p<0.05). It was concluded that TMJ with osteoarthritis is related to pain and that a symptomatic osteoarthritic TMJ can accompany bone marrow changes in the condyle, showing an increased signal on proton density weighted images.     

Variability of disk position in asymptomatic volunteers and patients with internal derangements of the TMJ

This study determined the variability of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk position in medial, central, and lateral aspects of the joint using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subjects had clinical evidence of reciprocal TMJ clicking (N = 123) or restricted mandibular motion (N = 52). Eighty-nine asymptomatic volunteers provided a control group. Disk position was quantified on MRI by measuring the angle formed by a line through the middle of the condyle and perpendicular to the Frankfort plane and a line through the same midpoint of the condyle and tangential to the posterior-most aspect of the disk. The disk position in asymptomatic TMJs varied considerably with a tendency toward farther anterior placement in more lateral images. In 47 TMJs from a total of 52 TMJs (90%), restricted mobility was associated with anterior disk displacement (ADD) without reduction. The disk position demonstrated a mean displacement of 77 degrees without significant differences at the medial and lateral aspects of the condyle. One hundred TMJs from a total of 123 TMJs (81%) with reciprocal clicking demonstrated ADD with reduction. Tomograms revealed larger lateral displacements or rotational displacements in these joints, whereas medial images frequently showed similar ranges of disk positions as compared with asymptomatic TMJs. The results suggest that disk positions of up to +15 degrees on medial tomograms and +30 degrees on lateral tomograms should be regarded as normal variations. Furthermore, multisection analysis of all parasagittal images improved the separation between disk displacement and asymptomatic TMJs.     

Factors related to the prevalence of anterior disc displacement without reduction and bony changes of the temporomandibular joint in patients with facial asymmetry

PurposeThe aim of the study was to determine the factors related to the prevalence of anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) and bony changes of the mandibular condyle (bony changes) in temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of patients with dentofacial deformity exhibiting facial asymmetry.Patients and methodsA total of 75 female patients (150 joints) with facial asymmetry, who had undergone orthognathic surgery, were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the TMJ and cephalometric analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether there was a statistically significant association between age, cephalometric measurements, and prevalence of ADDwoR and bony changes.ResultsFacial asymmetry, the prevalence of ADDwoR, and bony changes were more frequently found on the left side than that of the right side. Unilateral ADDwoR (n = 28) and unilateral bony changes (n = 14) were only found on the deviated side. The difference between the distance of upper incisal midpoints and lower incisal midpoints from the facial midline (U1–L1 distance) was significantly larger in 36 patients with ADDwoR and 52 patients with bony changes. According to logistic regression analysis, U1–L1 distance might be related to the prevalence of ADDwoR and bony changes in the TMJs with facial asymmetry.ConclusionU1–L1 distance related to the prevalence of ADDwoR and bony changes in TMJs of patients with dentofacial deformity exhibiting facial asymmetry.     

The relationship of bone marrow edema pattern in the mandibular condyle with joint pain in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders: longitudinal study with MR imaging

The purpose of this study was to investigate the course of bone marrow edema pattern (decreased signal intensity on T1- or proton-density-weighted images and increased signal intensity on T2-weighted fat-suppressed images) in the mandibular condyle after improvement in clinical symptoms, and to clarify its relationship with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. This study was based on 14 joints of 11 patients (all female, mean age 37.5 years) with TMJ disorders showing condylar bone marrow edema pattern on initial magnetic resonance (MR) images. All joints were re-evaluated clinically and using MR images after relief of joint pain following arthrocentesis combined with non-surgical treatment. The time interval between the initial and follow-up MR images ranged from 14 to 27 months (mean 17 months). Of the 14 joints, 4 joints (28.6%) showed a normal bone marrow signal, whereas 10 joints (71.4%) showed persistent bone marrow edema pattern on follow-up MR images (P = 0.125). Therefore, the reduction in TMJ pain did not correlate with resolution of bone marrow edema pattern in most joints. The results of this study suggest that the bone marrow edema pattern in the mandibular condyle does not always contribute to the occurrence of joint pain in patients with TMJ disorders.     

MR evidence of characteristics in symptomatic osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint: increased signal intensity ratio on proton density-weighted images of bone marrow in the mandibular condyle

The purpose of this study was to clarify the presence of pain and a correlation between pain and characteristics of signal intensity of mandibular bone marrow in temporomandibular joints (TMJ) with osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 196 joints in 98 patients with TMJ disorders were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A pain score and signal intensity on mandibular bone marrow were analyzed in the TMJ with OA. TMJ with OA showed a higher degree of pain compared to those without (p < 0.05). During opening, the joints in the higher signal intensity group showed a significantly higher degree of pain compared to the joints in the lower signal intensity group in those with OA on proton density weighted images (p < 0.05). It was concluded that TMJ with osteoarthritis is related to pain and that a symptomatic osteoarthritic TMJ can accompany bone marrow changes in the condyle, showing an increased signal on proton density weighted images.     

颞下颌关节盘前移位患者关节骨形态与矢状向关节盘位置的关系

目的　利用磁共振成像（MRI）技术和锥形束CT（CBCT）分析颞下颌关节盘前移位患者矢状向关节盘位置与关节骨形态的关系。方法　对97例患者的178个颞下颌关节（TMJ）进行回顾性分析，根据矢状向MRI上关节盘的位置分成4组，即对照组（关节盘无移位）、轻度组（关节盘轻度前移位）、中度组（关节盘中度前移位）和重度组（关节盘重度前移位）。然后利用Mimics 20软件基于CBCT数据进行TMJ的相关形态学参数测量，包括髁突线性尺寸（宽度、长度和高度）、髁突体积和表面积，关节窝的深度和长度，关节结节倾斜角，关节前、上、后间隙等，并对各组矢状髁突位置进行评估。使用方差分析、非参数检验和卡方检验等比较关节形态及位置参数的组间差异，采用相关性分析探索矢状关节盘位置与关节测量参数之间的相关性。结果　髁突的线性尺寸、关节窝深度、关节倾斜角、关节间隙和矢状髁突位置分布在4组间差异有统计学意义，而关节窝长度在4组间差异没有统计学意义；相关性分析显示：髁突的线性尺寸、髁突的体积及表面积、关节窝的深度、关节结节倾斜角和关节上间隙与关节盘矢状位置之间存在显著负相关，而关节后间隙与矢状关节盘位置之间存在显著正相关。结论　TMJ骨形态与不同矢状关节盘位置之间存在相关性，应警惕临床看到的关节骨形态的退行性改变可能是患者存在关节盘前移位的标志。     

Clinical and radiologic six-year follow-up study of patients with crepitation of the temporomandibular joint

Combined clinical and radiologic follow-up investigations of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) crepitation are seldom seen in the literature. The aim of the present study was to clinically and radiologically re-examine twenty-four patients with TMJ crepitation six years after treatment was completed. Eleven patients initially had unilateral crepitation and thirteen bilateral. Symptoms and clinical signs were reduced. The localization of the condyle at intercuspal position as well as at maximum mouth opening was unchanged in the majority of the TMJs. Structural bone changes had existed in 30 of the 37 TMJs in 1974. The original structural bone changes were preserved in twenty of the TMJs, bone structure was altered in ten and six had remained normal. One normal TMJ developed structural bone changes. The most common alterations consisted of increased sclerosis in the mandibular fossa and disappearance of erosions in the condyle. Since the symptoms and signs were reduced and the radiological changes were small, the prognosis for patients with TMJ crepitation must be considered good.     

螺旋CT、锥形束CT与MRI在颞下颌关节紊乱病成像中的应用比较

目的 探讨螺旋CT（spiral CT）、锥形束CT(cone-beam CT, CBCT)与磁共振成像(magnetic resonance imaging,MRI)在颞下颌关节紊乱病（temporomandibular joint disorders, TMD）成像中的应用价值。方法 回顾分析104例208侧行螺旋CT、CBCT或MRI检查的临床怀疑TMD的患者。由2名放射科医师分别对每侧TMJ关节的关节间隙、关节盘的显示、髁突的骨质改变和关节腔积液情况进行评估,并将3组显示结果进行比较。采用SPSS19.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果 除螺旋CT组与CBCT组右侧前间隙（P<0.05）及左侧上间隙有统计学差异（P<0.05）外,其余组比较均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。CBCT及螺旋CT无法清晰显示关节盘,而MRI对关节盘的显示率为100%。104例208侧TMJ中,通过同一样本资料不同检查的比较所示,螺旋CT与CBCT在显示髁突骨质改变上无统计学差异（P>0.05）,而螺旋CT、CBCT分别与MRI组比较均有统计学差异（P<0.05）。仅CBCT可清晰显示骨小梁结构。螺旋CT及CBCT均无法清晰显示关节腔积液,仅MRI可清晰观察,显示率为18.27%。结论 螺旋CT、CBCT及MRI对TMD都有一定的诊断价值。其中,MRI对关节盘的显示最好,并可显示骨髓的异常改变;CBCT、螺旋CT及MRI均可测量关节间隙,且螺旋CT、CBCT与MRI三者重建的关节各间隙影像基本一致;仅CBCT可以清晰显示髁突内骨小梁的结构及走行。     

Analysis of magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and pain in temporomandibular joints with and without degenerative changes of the condyle

The aim of this study was to investigate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics in 104 TMJs with and 58 without degenerative changes of the condyle, such as osteophytes, erosion, avascular necrosis, subcondral cyst and intra-articular loose bodies. TMJ images were also assessed for flattening, retropositioning and hypomobility of condyle and disc displacement. Comparison of the TMJ side-related data showed a significant relationship between disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) and the presence of degenerative bony changes (p=0.00). Flattening, retropositioning and hypomobility of condyle showed no significant difference in relation to the presence or absence of degenerative bony changes. Retropositioning of the condyle was significantly associated to disc displacement with reduction (DDwR) (p=0.00), while condylar hypomobility was significantly more frequent in TMJ with DDwoR (p<0.05). Independent of the presence or type of DD, TMJ pain was more frequent in the presence of degenerative bony changes. When considering only DDwR, TMJ pain was significantly associated to a degenerative condition (p=0.03). When there were no degenerative bony changes, TMJ pain was significantly more frequent in DDwoR (p=0.04). Despite the present findings, the absence of symptoms in some patients with condylar bony changes suggests that the diagnosis of osteoarthritis should be established by evaluation of magnetic resonance images in association with clinical examination.     

颞颌关节间接性损伤后不同时期X线表现及其意义

目的：研究山羊颞颌关节（TMJ）间接性损伤后关节结构的变化。方法：用自制撞击装置造成山羊双侧颞颌关节间接性损伤,分别于伤后2h、7d、1月、3月行X线断层摄影后处死材料,并进行组织学观察,正常关节作为对照。结果：X线断层摄片发现,TMJ损伤后关节腔模糊,腔隙缩小,髁突表面不平,结构不清,其位置由颞下凹正中逐渐偏向后。组织学观察发现,伤后早期1月内关节组织分别出现关节凹髁突表面纤维软骨破坏,关节盘纤维组织挫裂,关节腔内出现血肿等;晚期3月出现髁突表面软骨组织破坏、吸收,关节盘严重扭曲、变形。结论：一定程度的TMJ损伤可以导致TMJ内紊乱和TMJ骨关节病等后遗症的发生。X线断层摄技术是一种较好的动态观测TMJ结构和形态变化的方法。     

Differences in temporomandibular joint pain and age distribution between marrow edema and osteonecrosis in the mandibular condyle

This study investigated the differences of age distribution and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain between marrow edema and osteonecrosis in the mandibular condyle. Subjects consisted of 35 TMJs in 35 patients with abnormal bone marrow on MR images who were selected from a consecutive series of 527 patients with TMJ disorders. Proton density and T2-weighted MR images taken in the oblique sagittal and coronal planes were used to diagnose condylar marrow abnormalities and divide them into either edema or osteonecrosis. The differences in TMJ pain and age distribution for these two abnormalities were assessed with the one-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test with 0.05 alpha level. The degree of pain was higher in joints with marrow edema than in joints with osteonecrosis (p = 0.033). The mean age was higher in joints with osteonecrosis (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that there is more severe pain in TMJs with marrow edema of the mandibular condyle than in those with osteonecrosis. Since the patients with marrow edema have lower age, it also appears that marrow edema may be a precursor condition for osteonecrosis of the TMJ.