The long-term results of 465 patients with temporomandibular joint arthrosis were evaluated by means of questionaire. The questionnaires were returned from 303 patients and 112 (37.0%) reported no symptoms. Corelation between long-term results and each factor was investigated, the following results were disclosed: There is no significant difference between male and female. The asymptomatic ratio of patients over 60 years old was comparatively high. Duration of symptoms before treatment and the symptoms at the first visit were significant in this group. For example, many patiens who had visited the clinic within one month from onset of this disease reported no symptoms. On the other hand, the percentage of asymptomatic patients who had TMJ noise at the first visit was low. There is a significant difference of asymptomatic percentage between patients who had received medication alone and patients received medication in combination with other conservative treatment. The many patients who had visited more than 10 times complained of persistent symptoms.
TMJ noise and trismus were the most common findings as residual and persistent symptoms at this examination. Furthermore, after completion of initial treatment, some patients reported having symptoms at this examination. These findings indicated the need of long-term follow up of patients with TMJ arthrosis.
