Temporomandibular joint changes in oral submucous fibrosis- A magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the Temporomandibular joint changes as a consequence of varying degrees of restricted mouth opening in Oral Submucous Fibrosis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study Population was divided into 2 groups namely Group C- 40 TMJ’s of 20 age and gender matched healthy controls and Group P- 40 TMJ’s of 20 OSMF patients who were further subdivided into Group II,III,IV based on their restriction in mouth opening. MRI of bilateral TMJ was obtained in closed mouth position. Disc thickness, disc length, joint space and condylar changes were assessed. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Disc thickness, disc length and joint space was significantly reduced in Group III and Group IV OSMF patients when compared to controls (P<0.05). Condylar flattening was seen in Group III (56.3%) and Group IV (50%) OSMF patients. One joint (2.5%) in Group IV had condylar flattening with erosion whereas no joints in Group II OSMF and controls had condylar flattening and erosion (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thus the present study has revealed statistically highly significant changes in the components of Temporomandibular joint in OSMF patients with varying degrees of restriction in mouth opening when compared to controls. Also the severity of the changes increases with increase in severity of the disease, which was found to be statistically highly significant. Key words:Oral submucous fibrosis, temporomandibular joint, magnetic resonance imaging.