Pathologic evaluation of disc dysfunction and osseous abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint.

The arthrographic findings in 141 patients with TMJ symptoms were compared with the linear tomographic evaluation to assess the incidence and severity of associated osseous abnormalities. Thirty-nine temporomandibular joints (28%) had significant osseous abnormalities compatible with degenerative joint disease. The incidence and severity of the degenerative changes compared favorably with the arthrographic assessment of the degree of soft-tissue injury. A cause-and-effect relationship between TMJ disc damage and dysfunction and degenerative arthritis is suggested.