The association between condylar bone changes revealed in cone beam computed tomography and clinical dysfunction index in patients with or without temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to compare cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) findings pertinent to patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and patients without TMD (non-TMD), as well as to investigate the correlation between these findings and the clinical dysfunction index (Di).

STUDY DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, CBCT images of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were evaluated for condylar bone changes in 84 patients with TMD. The patients were assigned a score using Helkimo's clinical Di, ranging from 1 to 25, and were thereafter subdivided into 3 groups based on the degree of Helkimo's Di. CBCT and clinical records of sex- and age-matched non-TMD patients were used as the control group.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the prevalence of all types of bone changes between TMD and non-TMD groups (all P < .05), except for loose joint bodies. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the total amount of bone change and the Helkimo Di score (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Evaluation of CBCT images in the present study revealed significant differences between TMD and non-TMD condyles. There was also a significant relationship between the Helkimo clinical Di and the total amount of condylar bone change in patients with TMD.