Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint
Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the end point of long-standing TMJ dysfunction. It is a common finding incidentally on a base of skull imaging, and it should be remembered that TMJ pain does not correlate well with osteoarthritic changes. Indeed pain from TMJ dysfunction is often self-limiting.
Radiographic features
Changes are usually more evident on the condylar side of the joint:
- flattening: common (in one series 27%)
- osteophytes: common (27%)
- erosions: 13%
- sclerosis: less common (9%)
- subchondral cysts
Treatment and prognosis
Symptomatic treatment usually involves the intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids, diclofenac, or glucosamine 4. Injection can be preceded by arthrocentesis (joint lavage). Definitive treatment consists of prosthetic replacement of parts of the joint 5.
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