DR CHRISTOPHER LIM
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON
Sydney II NSW II Australia
OSTEOARTHRITIS of the TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT
Similar to a hip or a knee, the temporomandibular joint can become degenerative and dysfunctional. Similar to a hip or knee, this joint can be managed surgically in a similar way. End-stage degenerative joint disease is the most severe form of internal derangement and characterised by grating sensations and pain during eating, difficulties with wide opening of the jaw and limited joint mobility.
DIAGNOSIS WITH RADIOLOGY and ARTHROSCOPY
To the left is a CT demonstrating the classic radiological signs of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. There is a severe loss of joint space and subchondral cysts. Bone on bone contact is seen. This patient has severe grating sensations during eating and could not place a teaspoon in her mouth. Below is an arthroscopic image of a similar joint with no cartilage left.
Although difficult to interpret to the unfamiliar eye, this image demonstrates an abnormal joint with "jagged" bony contours and no striations. This patient had a total joint replacement as the long term treatment.
CASE EXAMPLES
These are examples of common cases that I have treated over the years. Please peruse for you own information and research.
