RADIOGRAPHIC SIGNS IN THE TMJ AND FINGER JOINTS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Radiographic signs in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and finger j oints were investigated in a series of 139 residents of elderly people 's homes using panoramic tomographs and dorso-volar radiographs. Radio graphic signs in TMJs were found in 14% of the subjects, whereas all s ubjects had signs in at least one finger joint. The TMJs of men and wo men were equally affected, whereas signs in finger joints were more se vere in women. No correlation was found between radiographic signs in TMJs and finger joints, suggesting that most signs in TMJs are probabl y due to local factors.