Association between clinical and cone-beam computed tomography findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders

BACKGROUND AND AIM : The aim of this study was to assess the association between the clinical and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) findings in relation to bony changes in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). METHODS : According to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder (RDC/TMD), forty-one patients with type II TMD (42 TM joints) and type III TMD (40 TM joints) were recruited for this study. Condylar position and bony changes including flattening, sclerosis, osteophytes, resorption, and erosion of joint were evaluated by CBCT and compared with clinical findings. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS : Condylar flattening, sclerosis, resorption, and erosion were not significantly associated with joint/masticatory muscles pain or crepitus sound. The vertical or horizontal position of the condyle showed no significant relationship with the clinical findings. Condylar osteophyte was significantly associated with pain in masticatory muscles and crepitus (P = 0.030 and P = 0.010, respectively). There was no association between the condylar range of motion and pain in joint or masticatory muscles. CONCLUSION : Condylar osteophyte was significantly associated with both masticatory muscles pain and crepitus sound. No significant relationship was found between the other temporomandibular joint (TMJ) radiographic and clinical findings in patients with TMD.