Abstract
Objective: We evaluated the morphological change of the condylar head and disc position in teenage patients with temporomandibular disorders who could be followed up.
Materials and Methods: We selected 37 cases (74 joints) in teenagers for whom it was possible to examine the MR image at the initial and follow-up examinations. The follow-up examination was performed one year after the initial examination. We evaluated the MR image findings of the disc position and bone change of the condylar head.
Results: At the initial examination, diagnoses based on MR image were as follows: 8 joints had no displacement of the disc (NDD), 8 joints had sideways disc displacement (SDD), 26 joints had anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and 32 joints had anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR). Fifteen joints (20.7%) showed bone changes, which were as follows: eleven joints had erosion, 1 joint had osteophyte, 2 joint had irregular surface and 1 joint had concavity.
At the follow-up examination, the bone change had disappeared in 2 joints, but there was new bone change of the condylar head in 15 joints. The bone changes were as follows: 12 joints had erosion, 4 joints had osteophyte, 6 joints had flattening and 6 joints had deformity. In total, bone changes were observed in 28 joints (37.8%).
Conclusions: In teenage patients, morphological change of the TMJ may be observed in the short term, so long-term follow-up is necessary.
