• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.178-181
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• 2022

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder that results from microdeletion at chromosome 7, which harbors the elastin gene. Clinical findings include arteriopathy, aortic stenosis, hypertension, and laxities and contractures in different joints throughout the body. While many components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) normally contain elastin, there are few reports on TMJ manifestations of WS. This study reports a TMJ ankylosis case in a WS patient and shares insight on a possible link between development of TMJ ankylosis and elastin deficiency in WS patients. A WS patient presented with bilateral TMJ ankylosis and was successfully treated with TMJ gap arthroplasty. Hypermobility of TMJ and lack of elastin in retrodiscal tissue can induce anterior disc displacement without reduction. Due to lack of elastin, which has a significant role in the compensatory and reparatory mechanism of TMJ, WS patients might be prone to TMJ ankylosis.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.14-35
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• 2024

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most unique joints in the human body that orchestrates complex movements across different orthogonal planes and multiple axes of rotation. Comprising the articular eminence of the temporal bone and the condylar process of the mandible, the TMJ integrates five major ligaments, retrodiscal tissues, nerves, and blood and lymph systems to facilitate its function. Cooperation between the contralateral TMJ and masticatory muscles is essential for coordinated serial dynamic functions. During mouth opening, the TMJ exhibits a hinge movement, followed by gliding. The health of the masticatory system, which is intricately linked to chewing, energy intake, and communication, has become increasingly crucial with advancing age, exerting an impact on oral and systemic health and overall quality of life. For individuals to lead a healthy and pain-free life, a comprehensive understanding of the basic anatomy and functional aspects of the TMJ and masticatory muscles is imperative. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a spectrum of diseases and disorders associated with changes in the structure, function, or physiology of the TMJ and masticatory system. Functional and pathological alterations in the TMJ and masticatory muscles can be visualized using various imaging modalities, such as cone-beam computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and bone scans. An exploration of potential pathophysiological mechanisms related to the TMJ anatomy contributes to a comprehensive understanding of TMD and informs targeted treatment strategies. Hence, this narrative review presents insights into the fundamental functional anatomy of the TMJ and pathological changes that evolve with TMD progression.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.1-4
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• 2003

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution and frequency of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) effusion in magnetic resonance (MR) images of patients with disc displacements. Materials and Methods: On T2 weighted MR images of 148 TMJs taken from 74 patients presenting with TMJ pain and dysfunction, we assessed the cases showing TMJ effusion, defined as an amount of fluid that exceeded the maximum amount seen in a control group of asymptomatic volunteers. The amount of TMJ fluid was graded as: I (none or minimal), II (moderate), III (marked), and IV (extensive), according to a standard set by a reference. Disc displacement categories were also recorded. Results: Of the 148 TMJs examined in this study, 52 joints (35.1%) presented with joint effusion, 24 (16.2%) showing bilateral joint effusion. 38 joints showed upper joint space effusion, 3 showed lower joint space effusion, and 11 showed both upper and lower joint space effusion. 96 joints (64.9%) had grade I joint fluid, 27 (18.2%) grade II, 15 (10.1 %) grade III, and 10 (6.8%) grade IV. 80.0% of the joints presenting with grade IV effusion showed disc displacement without reduction. Conclusion: Joint effusion was found not only in upper, but also in lower joint spaces. The higher the effusion grade, the greater the frequency of disc displacement without reduction.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.249-253
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• 2012

Purpose: Diagnosis of osteoarthritis most commonly depends on clinical and radiographic findings. The present study attempted to observe the bony changes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) patients from all age groups. Materials and Methods: The first-visit clinical records and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 440 TMJs from 220 consecutive TMJ patients were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The most frequent condylar bony change observed was sclerosis (133 joints, 30.2%) followed by surface erosion (129 joints, 29.3%), flattening of the articular surface (112 joints, 25.5%), and deviation in form (58 joints, 13.2%), which included 33 TMJs in a cane-shape, 16 with a lateral or medial pole depression, 6 with posterior condylar surface flattening, and 3 with a bifid-shaped condyle. Fifty-three joints (12.0%) showed hypoplastic condyles but only 1 joint showed hyperplasia. Osteophyte was found in 35 joints (8.0%) and subcortical cyst in 24 joints (5.5%), 5 of which had surface erosion as well. One hundred nineteen joints (27.0%) had only one kind of condylar bony change, 66 joints (15.0%) had two, 52 joints (11.8%) had three, 12 joints (5.0%) had four, and 6 joints (1.4%) had five kinds of condylar bony changes at the same time. Eighty-five (65.9%) of 129 joints with surface erosion had pain recorded at the chief complaint. Conclusion: With more widespread use of CBCT, more specific or detailed guidelines for osteoarthritis are needed.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.69-73
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• 2019

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is an uncommon progressive cartilaginous metaplasia of residual mesenchymal cells in synovial tissue. This disorder usually affects large joints and is rarely observed in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). SC in TMJ is difficult to diagnose early owing to non-specific clinical symptoms. In this article, we report a patient with SC on the right TMJ, who presented with pain in the right TMJ and progressive occlusal changes, not responsive to conventional conservative temporomandibular disorder treatment for several months. This case emphasizes the importance of an accurate specific diagnosis for TMJ problems before the delivery of any treatment.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.107-112
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• 2003

Purpose : To determine the relationship between clinical symptoms and magnetic resoncance (MR) images in patients presenting with temoporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Materials and Methods: This study was based on 172 joints in 86 patients presenting with TMJ disorders. Joint pain and sound during jaw opening and closing movements were recorded, and the possible relationship between disc positions and bony changes of the condylar head and the articular fossa in MR images in the oblique sagittal planes were examined. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results : There was no statistically significant relationship between clinical symptoms and MR images in the patients with TMJ disorders. Conclusion: In the patient with TMJ disorders, joint pain and sound could not be specific clinical symptoms that are related with MR image findings, and asymptomatic joints did not necessarily imply that the joints are normal according to MR image findings.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.103-113
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• 1996

The author examined the clinical signs and symptoms , routine radiographs, laboratory test and bone scan in 73 subjects with TMJ disorders and studied the responses of clinical test on patients, the distribution of signs and symptoms of joints, the simple uptake rate(SUR) of affected joints , the SUR of subclassified groups of TMJ disorders, active joints of subclassified groups of TMJ disorders and the SUR of joints with noises. The obtained results were as follows : 1. The percentage of joint pain on palpation, joint noises joint pain on function, mandibular dysfunction and active finding of bone scan in aptients with TMJ disorders were higher 2. The SUR was higher in joints affected by joint pain on function, joint pain on palpation, mandibular dysfunction and creptius. 3. The SUR of osteoarthrosis was the lowest. 4. The percentage of active joints were the highest in joints with discdisplacement without reduction, and followed by osteoarthritis, and disc displacement with reduction. 5. The SUR of TMJ showing joint noises only was lower.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.141-146
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• 2002

Purpose: Various treatment methods have been utilized for recurrent dislocation of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). The purpose of this study is to define the effect of the eminectomy with discoplasty that had been performed in patients with TMJ luxation. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (22 joints), whose diagnosis were TMJ dislocation were selected in 772 patients (871 joints) who had been underwent TMJ surgery between 1988 and 2000. The selected patients were divided into two groups. Group I (12 joints) was the habitual-luxation group which involves the recurrent TMJ dislocation patients. Group II (10 joints) was the open lock-history group which involves the patients who had more than two episodes of TMJ luxation and TMJ disorders. The history of TMJ luxation, maximum mouth opening and other TMJ signs and symptoms before and after surgery were reviewed. Results: In group I, one patient who had been underwent both TMJ operation had a intermittent locking, but it disappeared after post-operative 32 months. In group II, intermittent pain was present in one patient who had bruxism, but it was disappeared by splint therapy. No more TMJ dislocations and other pains were checked in other patients of group I and II. Conclusion: Eminectomy with discoplasty may be used to successfully treat the TMJ habitual luxation accompanied with abnormal condition of the disc-condyle complex.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.99-105
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• 2002

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transcranial radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the assessment of osseous changes of the condylar head and articular eminence. Materials and Methods: Osseous changes of the TMJ were evaluated in forty-three patients. Osseous changes of the condylar head and articular eminence were observed in 41 joints and 64 joints, respectively on transcranial radiographs, and 48 joints and 59 joints, respectively on MRI. Results: The flattening, sclerosis, erosion, and osteophyte formation of the condylar heads were observed in 36.6%, 43.9%, 12.2%, and 7.3%, respectively on transcranial radiographs compared with 35.4%, 20.8%, 37.5%, and 6.3%, respectively on MRI. While, the flattening, sclerosis, and erosion of the articular eminences were observed in 26.6%, 67.2%, and 6.2%, respectively on transcranial radiographs compared with 32.2%, 59.3%, and 8.5%, respectively on MRI. Conclusion: There were no statistical differences between transcranial radiographs and MRI scans in the detection of osseous changes of the TMJ. However, MRI scans were superior to the transcranial radiographs in the detection of erosion of the condylar head (p<0.01).

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.212-218
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• 2003

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the normal morphogenesis, maintenance, and repair of matrix and also have important functions in pathologic conditions characterized by excessive degradation of extracellular matrix, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, periodontitis and in tumor invasion and metastasis. In this study, expression of MMP-1 and -2 mRNA in retrodiscal tissue of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was examined and compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical findings. MMP mRNAs in the retrodiscal tissue samples were detected by reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction. TMJ internal derangement (ID) was categorized as normal disc position, disc displacement with reduction, early stage of disc displacement without reduction (DDsR) and late stage of DDsR. TMJ osteoarthrosis (OA) was classified with normal, mild and advanced OA. The amount of synovial fluid collection was divided into not detected, small, large and extremely large amount on MR T2-weighted imaging. Perforation and adhesion were examined during open surgery of the TMJ. Six out of 37 samples were excluded because of little amount of extracted total mRNA. MMP-2 mRNA was detected whole joints, and so the MMP-2 mRNA seems to be expressed normally in retrodiscal tissue. However, MMP-1 mRNA was expressed in 8 of 31 joints. Frequencies of MMP-1 mRNA expression according to the TMJ IDs, amount of synovial fluid and surgical findings made no significant difference. MMP-1 mRNA was detected more frequently in OA groups (7/16 joints, 43.8%) than in normal bony structure group (1/15 joints, 6.7%). Expression of MMP-1 mRNA in retrodiscal tissue might be related with OA of the TMJ.