Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc60/1/1
Correlation Between Osseous Degenerative Changes on CBCT and Disc Displacement on MRI in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
Matea Prenc
; Department of General and Dental Radiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Badel
orcid.org/0000-0001-5872-1132
; Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb
*
Borna Bilić
; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
Eva Nina Drev
; School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Julius Hager
; School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Helena Žižek
; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
Mia Smoljan Basuga
; Department of General and Dental Radiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
Dijana Zadravec
; Department of General and Dental Radiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Objective of work: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a degenerative condition affecting both osseous and soft-tissue structures. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed visualization of osseous changes, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides superior assessment of soft tissues, particularly the articular disc. The relationship between bony degeneration and disc abnormalities remains poorly defined. This study examined the correlation between CBCT-identified osseous radiological features of TMJ OA and MRI-detected disc displacement patterns. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 198 TMJs from 99 patients clinically diagnosed with TMJ OA, where both MRI and CBCT were performed in the same patient to enable direct comparative analysis. MRI was used to classify disc position as normal, partial displacement with reduction, complete displacement with reduction (DDR), or complete displacement without reduction (DDWR). CBCT scans were assessed for degenerative bone changes, including subchondral cysts, erosions, generalized sclerosis, osteophytes, and loose calcified bodies. OA severity was graded using the Ahmad and Schiffman criteria. Statistical evaluation was conducted using Fisher’s Exact Test. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between OA severity and disc displacement type (p < 0.001). DDWR was most frequently associated with Grade 2 OA (26.8%). Subchondral cysts (p = 0.004), erosions (p < 0.001), generalized sclerosis (p < 0.001), and osteophytes (p < 0.001) occurred with significantly higher prevalence in patients presenting with DDWR. Loose calcified bodies showed no significant association with disc position (p = 0.191). Conclusions: There is an association between degenerative osseous changes and disc displacement patterns in TMJ OA, and DDWR represents a more advanced stage of internal derangement accompanied by pronounced bone remodeling. These results support the combined use of CBCT and MRI for the comprehensive assessment of TMJ OA.
Keywords
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Temporomandibular Joint Disc; Osteoarthritis; Bone Cysts; Osteophyte; temporomandibular joint; osteoarthritis; cone beam computed tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; disc displacement
Hrčak ID:
345281
URI
Publication date:
13.3.2026.
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