Comparative Evaluation of Osteoarthritic Changes in the Temporomandibular Joint Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Among Individuals With and Without Temporomandibular Disorders: A Comprehensive Review.
Authors
Affiliations (6)
Affiliations (6)
- Department of Dentistry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Bhandara, IND.
- Department of Dentistry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sambhaji Nagar, IND.
- Department of Dentistry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Amravati, IND.
- Department of Dentistry, BJ Government Medical College and Hospital, Pune, IND.
- Department of Dentistry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nandurbar, IND.
- Oral Medicine and Radiology, Karjodkar's Dental Clinic, Mumbai, IND.
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a common degenerative condition and radiographic finding among individuals evaluated for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), characterized by osseous changes such as flattening, subchondral sclerosis, erosion, osteophyte formation, and subchondral cysts. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional visualization of TMJ osseous structures without superimposition and is particularly valuable for detecting degenerative changes, although its ability to assess soft-tissue structures is limited. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the prevalence and distribution of CBCT-detected TMJ osseous changes in TMD and non-TMD populations and evaluates the influence of demographic variables, including age and sex, on these findings. Across the reviewed literature, osseous changes were generally more prevalent and severe among individuals with TMD than among those without TMD, although substantial overlap was observed between groups, indicating that imaging findings should be interpreted alongside validated clinical diagnostic criteria rather than used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool. Emerging approaches, including three-dimensional superimposition, low-dose acquisition protocols, quantitative assessment, and artificial intelligence-assisted interpretation, may improve the consistency and clinical utility of CBCT-based evaluation of TMJ osseous changes.