MICROSCOPIC CHANGES IN THE RETRODISCAL TISSUES OF PAINFUL TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and histological changes in TMJs with disc displacement. Method: Samples from capsules and poster ior disc attachments from 27 TMJ pain patients who underwent surgery w ere compared with samples from seven asymptomatic persons. Results: On logistic regression analysis, retrodiscal tissues from the painful jo ints demonstrated a significantly higher density of fibroblasts, prese nce of narrowed and obliterated arterial lumens, and a significantly l ower distribution of elastic fibers. Conclusion: The results indicate that there is a difference between painful and asymptomatic joints at the microscopic level.