Aminata Dumbuya1, Amanda Farias Gomes2, Leonardo Marchini3, Erliang Zeng4,5,6, Carissa L Comnick5, Saulo L Sousa Melo7. 1. The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. 2. Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 3. Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. 4. Department of Preventive & Community Dentistry, Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. 5. Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. 6. Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa. 7. Department of Integrative Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Abstract
AIMS: To assess the prevalence of degenerative bone changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of older adults using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to verify possible associations between these findings and patient health history. METHODS: CBCT scans comprising both TMJs were acquired for 137 patients aged 65+, regardless of TMD status. Images were assessed by two oral radiologists and evaluated for the presence of flattening, erosion, sclerosis, subchondral cysts, and osteophytes in the TMJ bony components, and self-reported patient systemic health histories were retrieved from records. RESULTS: There were 59 males, and the mean age was 73.35 ± 6.28. A total of 31.4% had bone changes in both TMJs, and 65.7% had bone changes in at least one side. Bone changes were more prevalent in females, with subchondral cysts (63.3%) and osteophytes (60%) the most common findings. There was a higher prevalence of osteoporosis/osteopenia (38.5%) and connective tissue disorders (39.8%) in patients with TMJ bone changes than in those with normal TMJs. CONCLUSION: Degenerative bone changes of TMJ were prevalent among older adults, and females were more affected. There was a greater prevalence of osteoporosis/osteopenia and connective tissue disorders in patients with TMJ bone changes than in subjects with normal TMJs.
AIMS: To assess the prevalence of degenerative bone changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of older adults using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to verify possible associations between these findings and patient health history. METHODS: CBCT scans comprising both TMJs were acquired for 137 patients aged 65+, regardless of TMD status. Images were assessed by two oral radiologists and evaluated for the presence of flattening, erosion, sclerosis, subchondral cysts, and osteophytes in the TMJ bony components, and self-reported patient systemic health histories were retrieved from records. RESULTS: There were 59 males, and the mean age was 73.35 ± 6.28. A total of 31.4% had bone changes in both TMJs, and 65.7% had bone changes in at least one side. Bone changes were more prevalent in females, with subchondral cysts (63.3%) and osteophytes (60%) the most common findings. There was a higher prevalence of osteoporosis/osteopenia (38.5%) and connective tissue disorders (39.8%) in patients with TMJ bone changes than in those with normal TMJs. CONCLUSION: Degenerative bone changes of TMJ were prevalent among older adults, and females were more affected. There was a greater prevalence of osteoporosis/osteopenia and connective tissue disorders in patients with TMJ bone changes than in subjects with normal TMJs.