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Imaging Science in Dentistry 2012; 42 : 169-74 http://dx.doi.org/10.5624/isd.2012.42.3.169

Osteoarthritic changes and condylar positioning of the temporomandibular joint in Korean children and adolescents
Bong-Hae Cho, Yun-Hoa Jung
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea

ABSTRACT
Purpose: To investigate the prevalenceof osteoarthritic changes and condylar positioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in Korean children and adolescents with or without temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Materials and Methods: A total of 101 asymptomatic and 181 symptomatic children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years old were included in the study. Osteoarthritic changes such as flattening, sclerosis, osteophytes, orerosion, and the parasagittal positioning of the condyle were assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Results: The overall prevalence of osteoarthritic changes was higher in symptomatic (26.8%) than in asymptomatic adolescents (9.9%) (p⁄0.05). In the symptomatic group, the frequency was higher in males (33.3%) than in females (23.0%) (p⁄0.05). Erosion was the most common change forthe symptomatic group (15.6%), whereas sclerosis was the most common change for the asymptomatic group (5.4%). Posterior condylar position was more frequently observed in the symptomatic group (p⁄0.05). Erosion was more common in the samples with TMJ pain or mouth opening limitations as compared to those without them (p⁄0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that osteoarthritic changes in TMJ werecommon in children and adolescents, with a much higher prevalence in symptomatic patients. (Imaging Sci Dent 2012; 42 : 169-74) KEY WORDS: Adolescent; Temporomandibular Joint; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Introduction
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are common problems among children and adolescents. Their incidence has been reported as being between 6% and 68% in previous studies.1-5Radiographic examination may serve to provide additional information along with clinical findings. Despite the high incidence of TMJ dysfunction in children and adolescents, radiographic studies have rarely been carried out. It has been reported that osteoarthritis of the TMJ is an age-related change and is more frequent in older persons than in younger persons.6,7 However, a study re-

*Thisstudy was supported by a grant of Pusan National University Hospital. Received May 16, 2012; Revised June 7, 2012; Accepted June 14, 2012 Correspondence to : Dr. Yun-Hoa Jung Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Beomeo-ri, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 626870, Korea Tel) 82-55-360-5255, Fax) 82-55-360-5029, E-mail) yhjung@pusan.ac.krported that the pediatric age group with TMJ pain and dysfunction showed evidence of degenerative arthritis in 37% of cases.8 Osteoarthritis (OA) of the TMJ in children might potentially have an effect on mandibular growth and lead to an altered skeletal structure.9 Therefore, attention should be paid to any osteoarthritic changes in the TMJ in children. The clinical significance of condylarpositioning in the glenoid fossa is controversial. It seems that TMJ disorder (TMD) patients are more likely to have posterior condylar positioning.10-13 However, some investigators have suggested no significant association between condylar positioning and clinical or radiographic findings.14-18 This study was performed to assess the prevalence of osteoarthritic changes and the parasagittalcondylar positioning of TMJ in children and adolescents with or without TMJ symptoms.

Copyright ⓒ 2012 by Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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