I analyzed the clinical pictures, roentgenographic findings and laboratry data in 8 cases of the so-called traumatic arthritis of the temporo-mandibular joint which were found among a total 137 cases of diseases in the same joint observed during a period of 8 months begining December 1, 1963.
(1) Acute contusion of temporo-mandibular joint was encountered in two cases and the subacute or chronic development of arthritis was found in 6 cases.
(2) The traffic accident was the most frequent cause of the trauma (1/3) and the site of the direct force of the trauma was the mandibular and mental regions. Therefore, the cause of the arthritis was apparently the indirect or transmitted force from the primary site of trauma.
(3) Arthritic process of relatively mild degree, not associated with open wound or dislocation, was found in the present series of cases.
(4) Roentgenographic examination revealed neither changes in the bony architecture nor adhesion in the joint. The forward movement of the condylar process in opening the mouth was, however, limited on the lateral view.
(5) No abnormality in laboratry data was found.
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