Correlation of clinical manifestations and condylar morphology of patients with temporomandibular degenerative joint diseases

To study the correlation between condylar morphology and clinical manifestations in patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

A total of 175 joints of 131 patients with DJD were included. Data on patients’ basic information and symptoms were collected and analyzed. Condylar morphology was evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The correlation between the condylar morphology and clinical manifestations was analyzed.

The prevalence of joint noises, clicks, and crepitus was 93/175 (53%), 73/175 (42%), and 20/175 (11%), respectively. Condylar anteroposterior diameter and condylar height were correlated with pain. There was a correlation between the shape of the condyle in the sagittal plane and joint noise.

Condylar morphology and clinical features of DJD were correlated to some extent.