CT Images of a Severe TMJ Osteoarthritis and Differential Diagnosis with Other Joint Disorders. (5th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrazzo, K. L.; Osório, L. B.; Ferrazzo, V. A.
• Other Names: de Mesquita R. A. Academic Editor.; Wright E. F. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in dentistry. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-12-05
• Subjects: Dentistry -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Oral medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Oral Medicine; Dentistry; Dentistry; Oral medicine; Electronic journals; Periodical; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/242685
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6447

Abstract

Abstract : Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis which affects the human body and can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The diagnosis of TMJ OA is essentially based on clinical examination. However, laboratory tests and radiographic exams are also useful to exclude other diseases. The diagnosis of OA may be difficult because of other TMJ pathologies that can have similar clinical and radiographic aspects. The purpose of this study was to describe an unusual case of bilateral TMJ OA in an advanced stage and discuss its most common clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings, focusing on their importance in the differential diagnosis with other TMJ diseases. Erosion, sclerosis, osteophytes, flattening, subchondral cysts, and a reduced joint space were some of the radiographic findings in TMJ OA. We concluded that, for the correct differential diagnosis of TMJ OA, it is necessary to unite medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiographic findings. Computed tomography is the test of choice for evaluating bone involvement and for diagnosing and establishing the degree of the disease.