Evaluation of the relationship between condylar bony changes and condylar bone density in the temporomandibular joint structures: A CBCT study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between degenerative bony changes and condylar bone density in the temporomandibular joint structures using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).Materials and methodsIn this retrospective cross‐sectional study, two groups were evaluated. The case group included 35 patients (34.91 ± 12.40 mean age) with clinical signs and symptoms of TMD according to the Helkimo Index. The control group included 35 samples (37.89 ± 10.89 mean age) without signs and symptoms of TMD. Degenerative bone changes including flattening, erosion, osteophyte, sclerosis, and pseudocyst were evaluated in CBCT images. The severity of degenerative bone changes was categorized into four groups; G0 (no degenerative changes), G1 (one degenerative change—mild), G2 (two degenerative changes—moderate), and G3 (three or more degenerative changes—severe). Grey Value (GV) was measured in CBCT images to determine condylar bone density. The relationship between the severity of degenerative bone changes and bone density was assessed using the One‐Way ANOVA test.ResultsThe frequency of osteophyte and sclerosis was significantly higher in the TMD patient group than in the control group. Grade 1 and Grade 2 changes in the TMD patient group were significantly more than the control group (p < 0.001). The mean Grey Value in patients was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). The GV was significantly correlated with the severity of degenerative changes in both groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe degenerative changes were significantly associated with bone density (GV). Therefore, TMJ arthritis can cause changes in bone density.