Association between condylar morphology and changes in bony microstructure and sub‐synovial inflammation in experimental temporomandibular joint arthritis

J Oral Pathol Med (2011) 40 : 111–120 Background: In juvenile idiopathic arthritis involvement of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) is often associated with mandibular growth deviations. The relation between the growth deviations and severity of the inflammation, condylar shape, the micro‐architecture, and the quality of the bone has not previously been investigated. This paper studies the effect on the bony structures in mandibular condylar development in rabbits with antigen‐induced arthritis. Methods: Included were 42 juvenile rabbits with ovalbumin‐induced arthritis of the TMJs treated with intraarticular saline, intraarticular etanercept or subcutaneous etanercept. A TMJ from each animal was scanned using micro‐computed tomography and structural parameters were calculated. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of the mandibular condyle were scored blindly as normal or abnormal. TMJs were stratified for condylar morphology and were evaluated against data on trabecular structural parameters, inflammation, degree of mineralization, overall mandibular growth, and mineral apposition rate. Results: Abnormal morphology were seen in 15/32 animals available for data analysis. Erosions were an uncommon finding. Abnormal morphology was strongly related to the degree of inflammation. The trabecular separation was larger in group with abnormal morphology than in the group with normal morphology. Abnormal condylar morphology was not associated with overall mandibular growth. No differences were observed in mineral apposition rate. No differences in structural parameters were seen according to treatment modality. Conclusion: We showed that severe inflammation in the TMJs during mandibular development was associated with morphological changes in the mandibular condyle. These changes were predominantly seen at the macro‐morphological level and only very few differences were structural.     

L-单甲基-精氨酸对颞下颌关节骨关节病治疗作用的实验研究

目的　研究一氧化氮合酶抑制剂L 单甲基 精氨酸对山羊实验性颞下颌关节骨关节病的治疗作用及可能机制。方法　通过双侧颞下颌关节上腔内注射胶原酶建立骨关节病模型 ,从注射胶原酶第 4周起 ,在左侧关节上腔内每隔 3d注射 0 5 %L 单甲基 精氨酸 0 5ml,共 7次 ,右侧同期注射生理盐水 0 5ml。注射胶原酶后 1 2周处死所有动物 ,取双侧关节标本作组织学检查并根据改良Mankin骨关节病评价标准评分。结果　评分结果 :L 单甲基 精氨酸侧为 3 83 ,而对照侧为 6 33 ,两者比较差异有高度显著性 (P <0 0 1 )。结论　L 单甲基 精氨酸关节腔内注射对山羊实验性颞下颌关节骨关节病的发展有抑制作用 ,其作用机制可能与L 单甲基 精氨酸抑制一氧化氮合酶在关节局部产生过多的一氧化氮有关     

颞下颌关节间接性损伤后MRI表现及其意义

目的：研究羊颞下颌关节（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、7h、1月、3月行MRI观察后处死取材,并进行组织学观察,正常关节作为对照,结果：TMJ损伤后MRI观察发现：TMJ间接性损伤后可导致关节软、硬组织结构的变化。在损伤早期1月内表现为髁突表面软骨的碎裂,关节盘挫裂和移位,关节间隙的减小和关节腔内出现血性渗液;在损伤后期1-3月表现为髁突表面软骨的破坏和吸收,关节盘畸形,关节间隙减小,结论：MRI不但能够清楚、全面地反映关节损伤后软、硬组织结构和形态的变化,还是一种可用于研究TMJ损伤后转归和后遗症发生机理的较好的、精确的观察手段。     

Histologic examination of the temporomandibular joint after mandibular advancement with and without rigid fixation: An experimental investigation in adult Macaca mulatta

This study evaluated the histologic response of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following mandibular advancement using rigid and nonrigid fixation in monkeys. Twelve adult female rhesus monkeys underwent sagittal ramus osteotomies with advancement. Six of them were placed into maxillomandibular fixation (MMF); six underwent bicortical bone-screw fixation without MMF. Changes in condylar position were quantified using lateral cephalograms with the aid of bone markers. The animals were killed at 6 weeks and the TMJs were prepared for histologic analysis. Three measures of condylar cartilage thickness were obtained for each animal and were correlated to changes in position of the condyle. Animals who underwent MMF showed a tendency for anterior movement of the condyles; animals who underwent rigid fixation showed a tendency for posterior condylar position. Thicker cartilage layers were found in the MMF animals. Animals who had posterior displacement of the condyles showed evidence of resorption of the posterior surface of the condyle and anterior surface of the postglenoid spine. There was a significant correlation between a change in the horizontal position of the condyle and the thickness of the posterior aspect of the condylar cartilage. The results of this study indicate that alterations in condylar position may induce remodeling changes within the TMJ.     

Histologic examination of the temporomandibular joint after mandibular advancement with and without rigid fixation: an experimental investigation in adult Macaca mulatta

This study evaluated the histologic response of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following mandibular advancement using rigid and nonrigid fixation in monkeys. Twelve adult female rhesus monkeys underwent sagittal ramus osteotomies with advancement. Six of them were placed into maxillomandibular fixation (MMF); six underwent bicortical bone-screw fixation without MMF. Changes in condylar position were quantified using lateral cephalograms with the aid of bone markers. The animals were killed at 6 weeks and the TMJs were prepared for histologic analysis. Three measures of condylar cartilage thickness were obtained for each animal and were correlated to changes in position of the condyle. Animals who underwent MMF showed a tendency for anterior movement of the condyles; animals who underwent rigid fixation showed a tendency for posterior condylar position. Thicker cartilage layers were found in the MMF animals. Animals who had posterior displacement of the condyles showed evidence of resorption of the posterior surface of the condyle and anterior surface of the postglenoid spine. There was a significant correlation between a change in the horizontal position of the condyle and the thickness of the posterior aspect of the condylar cartilage. The results of this study indicate that alterations in condylar position may induce remodeling changes within the TMJ.     

Cone-beam computed tomography findings of temporomandibular joints with osseous abnormalities

Objective

To evaluate the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) findings of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) with osseous abnormalities.

Methods

CBCT images of 88 TMJs in 44 patients with arthrogenic TMJ disorder and 40 normal TMJs of 20 asymptomatic patients were selected for the study. All images were used for evaluation of the condyles (position and width), glenoid fossae (width and depth), and joint spaces (anterior, posterior, and maximum superior). The frequencies of the condylar positions were compared between the two groups using the Chi-square test. The mean values of the remaining CBCT findings were compared between the two groups using the Mann?CWhitney U test.

Results

In the 88 TMJs with osseous abnormalities, a dorsal position of the condyle was most frequently seen (62/88), whereas central and ventral positions of the condyle were seen in two and 24 joints, respectively. The TMJs with osseous abnormalities exhibited a significantly lower mean value for the condyle width and a significantly higher mean value for the anterior joint space than the TMJs without such abnormalities.

Conclusions

Small and dorsally positioned condyles are characteristic CBCT findings of TMJs with osseous abnormalities.     

The influence of pre- and intraoperative positioning of the condyle in the centre of the articular fossa on the position of the disc in orthognathic surgery. A magnetic resonance study

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible for orthognathic surgery and the influence of positioning of the condylar process in the centre of the articular fossa before and during the operation for preventing changes in the TMJ postoperatively. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 28 patients with mandibular retrognathism had bilateral sagittal split osteotomies for mandibular advancement. In one group of 14 patients (28 TMJ), the condyles were placed in the centre of the articular fossa before and during the operation, and in the other group they were not. Differences on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were calculated and the results were evaluated. RESULTS: The main differences were found at maximal mouth opening. 15/28 TMJs (54%) that had not been positioned changed the position of the disc from physiological to anterior disc derangement with and without reduction postoperatively. In the 28 that had been positioned, changes were found in only 3 TMJs (11%) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Fixing the condylar process in the centre of the articular fossa intraoperatively before bilateral sagittal split osteotomy is a factor in preventing postoperative structural changes in the temporomandibular joint.     

Physiological effects of anterior repositioning splint on temporomandibular joint disc displacement: a quantitative analysis

Anterior repositioning splints (ARS) are used primarily for the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR). However, the exact physiological effects of ARS are still unclear. This study investigated the short and long‐term effects of ARS on disc and condyle angles/positions by metric analysis. Twenty‐two subjects diagnosed with ADDwR were recruited. Maxillary full‐coverage ARS were fabricated, and MRI of TMJs was obtained before splint treatment, immediate post‐insertion and 6 months after splint treatment. Disc–condyle relationship was determined by disc–condyle angle measurement. Disc and condyle positions were described as X‐Y coordinates with the summit of glenoid fossa as the origin of the coordinates. Thirty‐two TMJs were classified as ADDwR and 12 were normal. Upon ARS insertion, all TMJs with ADDwR got normal disc–condyle relationships. The condyles moved significantly forward and downward, while the discs moved significantly backward and upward. MRI at 6 months after treatment (without ARS insertion) indicated that only 40·6% (13/32) of the joints were maintained in the normal disc–condyle relationship. The majority of condyles returned to their pre‐treatment positions, while the discs generally moved anteriorly again. The use of ARS resulted in forward and downward condyle movement, and a concurrent backward movement of the disc resulting in ideal spatial disc–condyle relationship. The stability of this relationship, however, could not be maintained in the majority of TMJs upon ARS removal. Findings explain the good short‐term clinical outcomes with ARS and their relatively lower efficacy in the long term.     

Associations between the articular eminence inclination and condylar bone changes, condylar movements, and condyle and fossa shapes

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to determine the inclination and height of the articular eminence with respect to the condylar bone changes, condyle shape, fossa shape and condylar movements in patients with and without temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

The associations between the eminence inclination and the condylar bone changes, condylar movements, condylar shape and fossa shape were evaluated in patients with TMJ disorders and control patients without TMJ disorders. The measurements of the articular eminence inclination were established on central sagittal slices of the TMJ. The central coronal slices were used to determine the condyle and fossa shapes. The types of movements of the condyles were determined on open-mouth images, and mandibular hypermobility or hypomobility was noted for each joint.

Results

There were no significant differences in the eminence inclination and height with respect to the condylar bone changes and condylar movements in the TMJ disorder group. However, there was a significant association between the eminence inclination and the fossa shape in the TMJ disorder group and significant associations between the eminence inclination and both the condyle and fossa shapes in the control group. The articular eminence inclination was steeper in the control group than in the TMJ disorder group.

Conclusions

The eminence inclination was steeper in the control patients than in the patients with TMJ disorders, and was not correlated with the condylar bone changes or condylar movements.     

A comparative assessment of mandibular condylar position in patients with anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the position of the mandibular condyle in patients with anterior disc displacement (ADD) is different from that of a control group with normal joints using a novel method to quantify the irregular shape of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six magnetic resonance images of TMJs with ADD were evaluated and compared with 14 normal joints. The position of the condyle was determined by using 2 different methods: 1) measuring the horizontal and vertical normalized distances in millimeters between the geometric centers of the glenoid fossa and the condyle and 2) calculating the anteroposterior joint space ratio. RESULTS: Using the first method, the horizontal distance between the centers of the condyle and the glenoid fossa was 14.0 +/- 11.1 in the ADD group and 5.3 +/- 10.9 in the control group (P <.001). The vertical distance was 64.7 +/- 22.7 in the ADD group and 68.3 +/- 32.9 in the control group (P =.015). The ratio of the horizontal and the vertical condylar displacement in the ADD group was 2.4. Using the second method, the anteroposterior joint space ratios in the ADD group and in the control group were 1.7 +/- 0.5 and 1.2 +/- 0.4, respectively (P =.001). CONCLUSION: This study found that condyles of patients with ADD were situated more posterior and superior in the fossa than those in the control group. Moreover, in the ADD group, the posterior condylar displacement was noted to be 2.4 times greater than the superior condylar displacement.     

Local effects of intra-articular injection of anti-rabbit tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody in antigen-induced arthritis of the rabbit temporomandibular joint

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41 : 96–105 Background: Local effects of intra‐articular (IA) injection of anti‐rabbit tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody (anti‐TNFα mAb) for antigen‐induced mono‐arthritis (AIA) of the rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its systemic influences were evaluated. Methods: Biochemical analysis of synovial fluid (SF), clinical and histopathological analyses of TMJ, and serum analysis were performed after inducing AIA in bilateral TMJs of 40 New Zealand White rabbits. IA injection of anti‐TNFα mAb in unilateral TMJ (TNF blockade side; n = 12) and IgG (n = 12) was performed while saline injected on the contralateral side. TNFα and IL‐1β in SF was analyzed at Days 1, 3, 7, and 21. Joint swelling and head withdrawal reflex threshold (WRT) over TMJs were evaluated in TNF blockade side (n = 12) with histopathological analysis at Days 3, 7, and 21. In remaining four animals with TNF blockade, TNFα and anti‐TNFα mAb in serum were analyzed. Results: Tumor necrosis factor alpha in SF was significantly lower in TNF blockade side on all days but IL‐1β was lower only on Day 3. WRT was significantly higher at all times in the blockade side. Less inflammatory reactions and degenerative changes of cartilage were observed on Days 7 and 21 in the blockade side. TNFα and anti‐TNFα mAb were under detection level in serum at all times. Conclusions: Intra‐articular injection of anti‐rabbit TNFα mAb in mono‐arthritis model was effective to control local inflammation and degenerative joint changes. Further, low‐dose IA injection of antibody may not have systemic side effects.     

The mandibular condyle in juvenile chronic arthritis patients with mandibular hypoplasia: a clinical and histological study

In 12 JCA patients with severe mandibular hypoplasia, who all strongly demanded early treatment, 21 mandibular condyles were replaced by costochondral grafts. All of them had radiographic morphological changes in the mandibular condyles with varying degrees of destruction of the articular cartilages. Severe pathological changes in the lower joint compartments were consistently observed at surgery. Hence, the lower joint compartments were obstructed with granulomatous tissue, whereas the upper compartments were without macroscopic pathological changes. These findings indicated a polarized involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). The extent of condylar articular surface destruction at histological examination varied from focal to total cartilage destruction. Inflammation of the subchondral bone marrow was a frequent finding. In spite of considerable arthritic destruction of the condyles, only one patient had TMJ pain, while a restricted mouth opening capacity was a more frequent finding. Thus, TMJ pain did not seem to constitute a reliable symptom of serious arthritic destruction of the mandibular condyle.     

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。     

Computerized ultrasonic axiographic evaluation of condylar movement in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

Objectives:To evaluate condylar movement during lateral excursion in individuals with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using ultrasonic axiography.Materials and Methods:A total of 34 patients with internal derangement of the TMJ and 34 participants in the control group were examined. Mandibular functional movement was recorded by ultrasonic axiography. Three-dimensional condylar movement was measured in the working and balancing condyles.Results:Significant differences in condylar movement were found between the two groups. In the group with internal derangement of the TMJ, the three-dimensional linear distances of the condylar path in a working condyle were greater than in the control group during lateral excursion. The speed of the balancing condyle in the returning path of lateral excursion was significantly greater in the group with internal derangement than in the control group.Conclusions:The results of the present study indicate that internal derangement of TMJ may affect the working and balancing condylar movements during lateral excursion.     

成人与儿童颞下颌关节骨性形态比较研究

目的:比较成人与儿童颞下颌关节(temporomandibular joint,TMJ)骨性形态的差异。方法:用多排螺旋 CT(multislice CT,MSCT)对30例健康成年志愿者和20具咬合关系正常的儿童尸体 TMJ 扫描,结合影像中心保存的10例正常儿童 TMJ 的 MSCT 资料,在工作站上对上述60例120侧 TMJ 的 MSCT 图像进行多平面重建和参数测量,SPSS 软件对反映 TMJ 骨性形态特征的参数或其比值作统计学分析。结果:髁突纵轴倾斜角、髁突颈最小/髁突头最大横断面积、髁突前后径/关节窝前后径、髁突内外径/关节窝内外径、髁突在关节窝中后间隙/前间隙、关节窝前斜面倾角、关节窝深度、关节结节倾角,成人和儿童差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:成人与儿童 TMJ 骨性形态存在部分差异,它对 TMJ 疾病的防治有指导意义。     

正颌外科治疗后颞下颌关节改变的X线研究

目的 了解正颌外科手术后颞下颌关节（ｔｅｍｐｏｒｏｍａｎｄｉｂｕｌａｒ ｊｏｉｎｔ，ＴＭＪ）形态的改变，探讨手术方式不同对ＴＭＪ的影响。方法 正颌手术患者５７例，术前、术后１周、１年分别拍摄定位许勒位片用于观察髁突位置及关节形态的变化。结果 ①正颌手术可导致髁突移位，但大多数关节适应后并不发生病变，术后１年髁突位置已调整到术前相似的位置。②手术方式不同髁突位置的变化也不尽相同。③８６．４％的患者关节无明显变化或发生了适应性改建；１３．６％患者关节发生了退行性改变。结论 正颌手术可对ＴＭＪ产生影响，但大部分处于关节的正常适应范围内。     

透明质酸钠治疗颞下颌关节骨关节病的动物实验研究

目的:评价透明质酸钠对山羊颞下颌关节骨关节病的治疗效果。方法:对8只山羊的双侧颞下颌关节上腔一次性注射胶原酶而诱导骨关节病病变。分2组,4只/组。治疗组,透明质酸钠关节上腔封闭;对照组,关节上腔注射生理盐水。3月后处死,对髁突应用光镜和扫描电镜观察。结果:在光镜和扫描电镜下观察,对照组的髁突、关节盘、关节凹表现为骨关节病变化,治疗组骨关节病表现不明显。结论:通过3个月的观察和研究,证明透明质酸钠关节上腔封闭对颞下颌关节骨关节病具有显著疗效。     

An evaluation of asymmetry in TMJ radiographs.

The asymmetry of the mandibular fossae and condyles were measured to determine if there was a significant difference when comparing one side with the other. After all measurements were taken the test groups were separated into 70 acute TMJ patients and 70 control patients from general practice. It was found that the average differences between the right and left fossae of the TMJ and control groups were 0.17 mm and 0.16 mm respectively. Similarly the average difference between the right and left mandibular condyles of the two groups was approximately 0.2 mm. The differences in symmetry, obtained by comparing one side with the other, were clinically insignificant.There does not seem to be any reasonable possibility that the high incidence of TMJ dysfunctionpain syndrome reported in association with condylar displacement^{8–11, 14–16} is a result of fossae asymmetry or condylar asymmetry between the right and left sides. The controversy may be partially resolved in that only the superior portion of the fossa and a proportionally smaller part of the condyle are used to determine condylar position in the fossa. Marked asymmetry in the extreme anterior and posterior portions of the two mandibular condyles would not necessarily produce a significant difference in shape in that small part of the superior portion used to determine condylar position in the fossae.Based on this and previous research, the conclusion can be drawn that condylar displacement in the fossacannot be attributed to distortion in the radiographs, changes in head position, a lack of accuracy, or asymmetry of the mandibular condyles and fossa relative to the cranium or from one side to the other.     

创伤性颞下颌关节强直临床分析

目的 分析引发创伤性颞下颌关节(temporomandibular joint,TMJ)强直的高风险髁突骨折类型,初步探讨TMJ强直发生的可能性机制.方法 对18例创伤性TMJ强直进行临床、影像学检查及评估.取纤维性强直外侧变性的关节囊、关节间的致密纤维组织及骨性强直关节外侧骨块和内侧骨块,HE染色,光镜观察.结果 ...     

Long-term evaluation of the stability of reconstructed condyles by transport distraction osteogenesis

This retrospective longitudinal study evaluated the long-term stability of reconstructed condyles by transport distraction osteogenesis of the mandibular ramus in patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. 7 patients were followed up for 16–92 months (mean 39.4 months). The mean age of the patients at the time of distraction was 22.9 years (range 7–44 years). Maximal mouth opening and panoramic radiographs were recorded preoperatively, at the time of device removal and several years after removal of distraction device. At follow-up, cone beam CT images of the TMJ were obtained to confirm the changes of the reconstructed condyle. Absolute height (Co–Inc) and relative height (Co–Inc/Co–Go) of the reconstructed condyle and the asymmetric difference ratio (AR) were examined to assess the changes of condylar height and mandibular symmetry. The mean maximal mouth opening was stable during the period of follow-up. The mean absolute height and relative height of the reconstructed condyle decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Although no significant difference was found, the mandibular asymmetry difference ratio increased by 16.7%. These results suggested that the heights of reconstructed condyles were not stable in the long-term, and the mandible tended to be asymmetrical.