The findings and natural history of radiographic signs of temporomandibular osseous changes in an orthodontic population

Abstract

AIMS: Evaluate the natural history of radiographic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) findings in an orthodontic sample population by interpreting cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans, made before and after comprehensive orthodontic treatment, according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) imaging criteria. METHODS: 348 subjects were included in the study. Pre-treatment CBCTs were interpreted and screening diagnoses were given. Subjects were categorized: control (normal), indeterminate (remodeling), and case (degenerative joint disease [DJD]); these were matched for age and gender. The pre-treatment and post-treatment CBCTs of 76 matched subjects (152 joints) were interpreted and definitive diagnoses were given for each joint. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical evidence that, on average, a worse joint diagnosis existed pre-treatment or post-treatment. The likelihood of having a worse diagnosis post-treatment was statistically significant given a pre-treatment diagnosis of DJD or indeterminate. From pre-treatment to post-treatment 52.6% of diagnoses were unchanged, 25% worsened, and 22.4% improved.