Prevalence of osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint of asymptomatic persons without internal derangement.

There is a controversy in the literature regarding the prevalence of osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of asymptomatic persons. Using cephalometrically corrected tomograms, we assessed one TMJ of each of 34 asymptomatic persons who had no arthrographic or magnetic resonance imaging evidence of internal derangement. Minimal flattening of the condyle or articular eminence was seen in 12 joints (35%). More advanced osseous changes such as erosion, osteophytosis, or sclerosis were not seen in any joint. The findings suggest that generally no osseous changes occur in the TMJ in asymptomatic persons without internal derangement. When osseous changes occur, they are confined to minimal flattenings. Minimal flattening is probably of no clinical significance because the persons were asymptomatic, and arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of abnormalities in the soft tissues.