The contribution of frontal tomography to the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

The contribution of frontal tomography to the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis has been investigated. Ninety-one patients with clinically defined TMJ disorders were examined by simultaneous lateral and frontal TMJ tomograms taken in the intercuspal position. Abnormal findings were observed on frontal tomograms in 31 joints and suspicious findings in 22 joints. On the other hand, there were 41 joints with abnormal findings and 22 joints with suspicious findings on the lateral tomograms. Suspicious or abnormal findings were found on frontal tomograms alone in 14 joints (7.7%) of 14 patients (15.4%). It is concluded that simultaneous lateral and frontal tomography produces a more accurate radiographic diagnosis of TMJ osteoarthritis.