• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.149-154
• /
• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features of giant cell tumors in the temporomandibular joint region to facilitate accurate diagnoses. Materials and Methods: From October 2007 to June 2020, 6 patients (2 men and 4 women) at Yonsei University Dental Hospital had histopathologically proven giant cell tumors in the temporomandibular joint. Their computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings were reviewed retrospectively, and the cases were classified into 3 types based on the tumor center and growth pattern observed on the radiologic findings. Results: The age of the 6 patients ranged from 25 to 53 years. Trismus was found in 5 of the 6 cases. One case recurred. The mean size of the tumors, defined based on their greatest diameter, was 32 mm (range, 15-41 mm). The characteristic features of all cases were a heterogeneously-enhancing tumorous mass with a lobulated margin on computed tomographic images and internal multiplicity of signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. According to the site of origin, 3 tumors were bone-centered, 2 were soft tissue-centered, and 1 was peri-articular. Conclusion: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging yielded a tripartite classification of giant cell tumors of the temporomandibular joint according to their location on imaging. This study could help clinicians in the differential diagnosis of giant cell tumors and assist in proper treatment planning for tumorous diseases of the temporomandibular joint.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.66-73
• /
• 2015

Objective: To compare condylar position and morphology among different vertical skeletal patterns. Methods: Diagnostic cone-beam computed tomography images of 60 adult patients (120 temporomandibular joints) who visited the orthodontic clinic of Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital were reviewed. The subjects were divided into three equal groups according to the mandibular plane angle: hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent groups. Morphology of the condyle and mandibular fossa and condylar position were compared among the groups. Results: The hypodivergent and hyperdivergent groups showed significant differences in superior joint spaces, antero-posterior condyle width, medio-lateral condyle width, condyle head angle, and condylar shapes. Conclusions: Condylar position and morphology vary according to vertical facial morphology. This relationship should be considered for predicting and establishing a proper treatment plan for temporomandibular diseases during orthodontic treatment.

• Journal of The Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.121-126
• /
• 2013

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is an acute paintful condition that causes severe functional limitation. So, manual reduction is the treatment of choice and should be performed as early as possible. Long-term dislocation of the TMJ that has persisted for more than 1 month is comparatively rare. This may include severe illness, neurological diseases and prolonged intensive care hospitalization with oral intubation and sedation. A joint that remains prolonged dislocated undergoes morphological change which is also true for periarticular tissue, especially in ligaments and muscles. Treatment of long-term TMJ dislocation should be different from acute TMJ dislocation, as simple reduction is difficult to achieve and it's likely to redislocate. The prevention of redislocation after reduction should be considered. This is a case report of about manual reduction of temporomandibular joint long-standing dislocation under general anesthesia.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.174-182
• /
• 2022

In chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), constituent tissues such as muscles are sensitive to pain and psychological stress, which negatively affect the quality of life. In addition, since chronic TMDs is often accompanied by diseases such as psychological disorders and other chronic pain disorders, the diagnosis of those diseases and patient referrals are mandatory. The management of chronic pain in TMDs requires a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. Pharmacological therapy using cyclobenzaprine, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, progressive relaxation, and psychological approaches using cognitive behavioral therapy such as shifting negative thoughts about pain are all valid treatment options.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.29-34
• /
• 2017

Purpose: To evaluate aggravating factors of intermittent locking among temporomandibular joint using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder (DC/TMD) diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 35 patients with intermittent locking history but normal intra-articular findings between September 2012 and June 2015 in Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital. A standardized DC/TMD assessment was performed on subjects with MRI findings. Clinical findings were assessed on the basis of maximum mouth opening (active & passive), self-reported habits, patients' age, gender, systemic diseases at the initial visit. First, chi square test was used to examine differences with variables and then risk factors for intermittent locking were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Self-reported bruxism was strongly associated with intermittent locking history. Conclusions: The new DC/TMD protocol is intended for use within any clinical setting and supports the full range of diagnostic activities from screening to definitive evaluation and diagnosis. Self-reported sleep bruxism has been associated with a higher likelihood of intermittent locking. Comorbidity is therefore a factor that must be assessed. It is necessary to consider the amount of contact of the teeth and the duration.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.174-182
• /
• 2020

Objectives: Joint injuries frequently lead to progressive joint degeneration that causes articular disc derangement, joint inflammation, and osteoarthritis. Such arthropathies that arise after trauma are defined as post-traumatic arthritis (PTA). Although PTA is well recognized in knee and elbow joints, PTA in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has not been clearly defined. Interestingly, patients experiencing head and neck trauma without direct jaw fracture have displayed TMJ disease symptoms; however, definitive diagnosis and treatment options are not available. This study will analyze clinical aspects of PTA in TMJ and their treatment outcomes after joint arthrocentesis and lavage. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with history of trauma to the head and neck especially without jaw fracture were retrospectively studied. Those patients developed TMJ disease symptoms and were diagnosed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. To decrease TMJ discomfort, arthrocentesis and lavage with or without conservative therapy were applied, and efficacy was evaluated by amount of mouth opening and pain scale. Statistical differences between pre- and post-treatment values were evaluated by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Patient age varied widely between 20 and 80 years, and causes of trauma were diverse. Duration of disease onset was measured as 508 post-trauma days, and 85% of the patients sought clinic visit within 2 years after trauma. In addition, 85% of the patients showed TMJ disc derangement without reduction, and osteoarthritis was accompanied at the traumatized side or at both sides in 40% of the patients. After arthrocentesis or lavage, maximal mouth opening was significantly increased (28-44 mm on average, P<0.001) and pain scale was dramatically decreased (7.8-3.5 of 10, P<0.001); however, concomitant conservative therapy showed no difference in treatment outcome. Conclusion: The results of this study clarify the disease identity of PTA in TMJ and suggest early diagnosis and treatment options to manage PTA in TMJ.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.61-68
• /
• 2008

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a disease-specific exercise (DSE) on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function and neck mobility in TMJ dysfunction associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Ten AS patients (seven males and three females) with TMJ dysfunction were recruited for this study. The DSE included exercises to correct head and neck posture and to improve the flexibility of the neck and TMJs. The patients attended treatment three times a week for 4 weeks, averaging 1 hour each session. Assessments were performed pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6 weeks after the completion of treatment. General physical status was assessed by four clinical measures (tragus-to-wall distance, modified Schober test, lumbar side flexion, and intermalleolar distance), the Bath ankylosing spondylitis function index (BASFI), and the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index. The main outcome measures included TMJ function (craniomandibular index (CMI)), and neck mobility (flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral rotation). None of the measures of general physical status, with the exception of BASFI, were significant1y different between the pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6-week follow-up (p>.05). However, CMI and all neck movements, except for extension, significant1y improved after the treatment (p<.05). These improvements were maintained during the follow-up period. The DSE used in the present study seems to be a clinical1y useful method for managing patients with symptoms from the stomatognathic system in AS. Further studies with more subjects and longer treatment times, including the follow-up period, will be conducted to validate these findings.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.101-111
• /
• 2022

The purpose of laboratory tests in the field of oral medicine can be divided into two categories: (1) medical evaluation of patients with systemic diseases that are planning to receive dental care and (2) diagnosis of patients with certain oral diseases. First, laboratory tests are commonly used to evaluate patients with systemic diseases who need dental management. A combination of multiple tests is usually prescribed as a test panel to diagnose and assess a specific disease. Test panels closely related to oral medicine include those for rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue disease/lupus, liver function, thyroid screening, anemia, and bleeding disorders. Second, laboratory tests are used as auxiliary diagnostic methods for certain oral diseases. They often provide crucial diagnostic information for infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses that are associated with pathology in the oral and maxillofacial regions. Laboratory tests for infectious diseases are composed of growth-dependent methods, immunologic assays, and molecular biology. As the field develops, further application of laboratory tests, including synovial fluid analysis in temporomandibular joint disorders, salivary diagnostics, and hematologic biomarkers associated with temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain conditions, is currently under scrutiny for their reliability as diagnostic tools.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.99-104
• /
• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to determine the prevalence of calcifications in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to evaluate any associations between the presence of such calcifications and degenerative bone alterations of the TMJ, sex, or age. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 1,058 CBCT exams were analyzed, and data regarding the presence and quantity of calcifications, the affected side, any degenerative alterations of the condyle, sex, and age were collected. To evaluate associations between the presence of calcifications and sex or age, the Fisher exact test or the Spearman correlation coefficient, respectively, was used. To assess the association between the presence of calcifications and joint bone alterations, the chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used. The significance level adopted was 5% (P<0.05). Results: Twenty-eight patients (2.7%) presented with TMJ calcifications, including 23 women (82.1%) and 5 men (17.9%). Significant correlations were found between the presence of calcifications and age (P<0.05) and between the presence of calcifications and the presence of condylar alterations (P<0.05), with 73.2% of patients with bone alterations having TMJ calcifications. Conclusion: It may be concluded that, although rare (with a prevalence of only 2.7%), intra-articular calcifications are associated with both degenerative bone alterations and age.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.43 no.6
• /
• pp.363-367
• /
• 2017

Headaches are one of the most common conditions associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). In the present paper, we evaluated the relationship between headache and TMD, determined whether headache influences the symptoms of TMD, and reported two cases of TMD accompanied by headache. Our practical experience and a review of the literature suggested that headache increases the frequency and intensity of pain parameters, thus complicating dysfunctional diseases in both diagnostic and treatment phases. Therefore, early and multidisciplinary treatment of TMD is necessary to avoid the overlap of painful events that could result in pain chronicity.