Degenerative bony changes in the temporal component of the temporomandibular joint - review of the literature

Vol. 63 No. 1, 2022

ROMANIAN JOURNAL of MORPHOLOGY and EMBRYOLOGY

Maria Justina Roxana Virlan, Daniela Elena Costea, Diana Loreta Paun, Adina Zamfir-Chiru-Anton, Alin Gabriel Sterian, Arsenie Dan Spinu, Victor Nimigean, Vanda Roxana Nimigean

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) changes are quite frequent in adults, but not all changes are degenerative. A high prevalence of bone alterations in the TMJs was reported by different research groups. Disturbed remodeling of bony articulating structures occurs because of overloading masticatory forces or because the mechanical loading in the area out-weighs the adaptive capacity of the TMJ structures. Although most of the degenerative TMJ alterations are identified at the level of the condylar process, a complete evaluation of the degenerative modifications encountered in the temporal TMJ region should not be forgotten as they are important for a comprehensive assessment and further management of the clinical situation. Several research groups have described osseous remodeling in the temporal component of the TMJ. Evidence is scarce for degenerative modifications at the level of the articular eminence and thickening of the roof of the glenoid fossa has been associated with osteoarthritis.

Corresponding author: Victor Nimigean, Professor, DMD, MD, PhD; e-mail: victornimigean@yahoo.com

DOI: 10.47162/RJME.63.1.06 Download PDF
Download cover
Download contents

Journal archive