Relationship between radiographic signs in the temporomandibular joint and hand joints.

The temporomandibular joints of 64 patients and the hand joints of 62 patients with mandibular pain and/or dysfunction were exposed in oblique lateral transcranial, transmaxillary, and dorso-volar projections. The relationship between radiographic signs generally ascribed to osteoarthrosis was investigated. Indices were constructed to quantify the radiographic findings in the two joints. In the temporomandibular joint statistically significant age-independent correlations were found between flattening of the lateral part of the condyle, subcortical sclerosis of the condyle and reduced joint space. In the hand joints statistically significant age-independent correlations were found between osteophytes, subcortical sclerosis, eroded/absent cortical outlining, reduced/obliterated joint space and dislocations. No statistically significant correlation could be found between radiographic findings in the temporomandibular and hand joints. It is concluded that the radiographic signs in the temporomandibular joint of reduced joint space, subcortical sclerosis of the condyle and flattening of the lateral part of the condyle are interrelated and probably characteristic of osteoarthrosis, and that these relationships are similar to those that occur in the hand joints.