SIGNS OF OSTEOARTHROSIS OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS IN YOUNG-PATIENTS - A CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY

Objective. The aims of this study were to investigate the occurrence o f osteoarthrosis of the temporomandibular joints among young patients referred for consultation and treatment because of pain and dysfunctio n of the jaws and to study the relationship between signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and osteoarthrosis in these patients. Study design. This was a retrospective study based on case histories, clinical examinations, and temporomandibular joint tomography. A total of 131 patients ranging in age from 12 to 30 years were included in t he study. The null-hypothesis tested was that no significant differenc es in signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders would be found between joints with and joints without signs of osteoarthrosis. Resul ts. Osteoarthrosis of the temporomandibular joints was found in 87 pat ients (66%) and 151 joints (58%). The null-hypothesis was not rejected . Conclusion. A high prevalence of temporomandibular joint osteoarthro sis among the studied sample was found. The study did not allow us to draw any conclusions about the cause of temporomandibular joint osteoa rthrosis in these patients. The result provided a basis for a subseque nt follow-up study.