RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT OSSEOUS CHANGES USING CONE-BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN A SAUDI POPULATION: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Authors

  • Waleed Abdulhadi Alalawi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Qassim-Saudi Arabia
  • Shaul Hameed Kolarkodi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Qassim-Saudi Arabia
  • Khalid Alotaibi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Qassim-Saudi Arabia
  • Abdulrahman Altwaijri Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Qassim-Saudi Arabia
  • Faraj Alotaiby Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Qassim-Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55519/JAMC-02-14546

Keywords:

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT); Temporomandibular joint (TMJ); Osseous changes; Degenerative joint disease; Condylar flattening; Erosion; Subchondral cyst; Saudi population; Surgical planning; TMJ imaging.

Abstract

Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex synovial articulation that plays a critical role in mastication, speech, and mandibular movements. Pathologies affecting the TMJ, such as internal derangement, osteoarthritis, and degenerative bone changes, can significantly impair function and quality of life. Objectives were to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Saudi population, with emphasis on diagnostic and surgical relevance. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and included 414 bilateral CBCT scans obtained between January 2020 and December 2024. Scans were evaluated for degenerative bony changes such as condylar flattening, erosion, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, and cysts. Two experienced radiologists performed independent assessments, and inter-examiner reliability was calculated. Demographic associations were analyzed using Chi-square and ANOVA tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of the 414 subjects, 260 (62.8%) were male and 154 (37.2%) were female. Condylar flattening was the most frequent pathology, observed in 10.63% of right and 9.90% of left TMJs, followed by erosion and subchondral cysts. A total of 73.7% of cases exhibited radiographic abnormalities. Age was significantly associated with the presence of TMJ pathologies (p<0.01), particularly in individuals aged 40–60 years. No statistically significant association was found between gender and TMJ degeneration. Conclusions: cone-beam computed tomography effectively detects subtle and early-stage TMJ osseous changes, with flattening, erosion, and cystic degeneration being the most prevalent findings. The strong age-related pattern of TMJ degeneration supports the need for early radiographic screening, especially in middle-aged adults. From a surgical perspective, CBCT imaging plays a vital role in preoperative planning, aiding in the decision-making process for conservative versus surgical interventions.

Author Biography

Waleed Abdulhadi Alalawi, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Qassim-Saudi Arabia

Correspondence:

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Qassim University. Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Email: W.ALALAWI@qu.edu.sa

Cell: +966 550019446

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Published

2025-06-15

How to Cite

1.
Alalawi WA, Kolarkodi SH, Alotaibi K, Altwaijri A, Alotaiby F. RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT OSSEOUS CHANGES USING CONE-BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN A SAUDI POPULATION: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 15 [cited 2025 Aug. 15];37(2). Available from: https://www.jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/14546

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 2 (2025): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Waleed Abdulhadi Alalawi, Shaul Hameed Kolarkodi, Khalid Alotaibi, Abdulrahman Altwaijri, Faraj Alotaiby

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