Thickening of the glenoid fossa in osteoarthritis of the temporomandibularjoint. An autopsy study

Objective: To evaluate the thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa of th e temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in relationship to the stage of internal de rangement from autopsy material. Material and methods: The minimum thickness of the roof of the glenoid foss a was measured with a caliper in 61 TMJ autopsy specimens. Based on macrosc opic examination the joints were categorized as normal (30 joints), disk di splacement (eight joints), disk displacement with osteoarthritis (12 joints ) and osteoarthritis with perforation of the disk or posterior attachment ( 11 joints). The relationship between thickness of roof of the glenoid fossa and status of the joint was analysed. Results: The roof of the glenoid fossa was on the average 0.6 mm in normal joints, 1.1 mm in joints both with disk displacement and disk displacement with osteoarthritis and 3.6 mm in joints with osteoarthritis and perforatio n. The difference between the normal joints and those with perforation was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Progressive remodeling with thickening of the roof of the gleno id fossa seems to be associated with perforation of the disk or posterior a ttachment.