TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT OSTEOARTHROSIS - CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS 30 YEARS AFTER NONSURGICAL TREATMENT - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Thirty years after being treated nonsurgically for osteoarthrosis and internal derangement, 14 women and seven men were re-examined clinically and radiographically. The results of this examination were compared with those recorded before and after treatment 30 years ago, and with those of a matched control group. The number and degree of subjective and objective signs and symptoms decreased, and was comparable to that of the controls. However, the patients reported significantly more pain and difficulty on opening the mouth wide. This was reflected in the radiographically assessed joint mobility, which increased significantly over the years, but was still significantly less than that of the controls. The occurrence and extent of radiographically visible osteoarthrotic alterations increased over the years, and differed significantly from those of the controls. Therefore, the authors conclude that few symptoms and clinical signs of osteoarthrosis are found many years after treatment, although radiographic alterations may be extensive.