Background: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are one of the most common etiologies for the clinical signs and symptoms associated with temporomandibular joints (TMJs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphological changes in the TMJ spaces, mandibular condyle, and glenoid fossa in patients affected with generalized osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis with the help of computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: The present imaging-based study was based on 80 patients who were randomly selected through stratified random sampling technique and allocated to two groups with 40 patients in each group affected with generalized osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. For the acquisition of data through imaging, CT was opted, while CT images were evaluated for presence of distinct morphological changes in the form of presence of narrowing of joint spaces, flattening of the articular surfaces of condyles, osteophytes on the articular surfaces of condyles and glenoid fossa, and subchondral sclerosis. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 (IBM, Chicago). Nonparametric tests, Pearson’s Chi-square test, and Mann–Whitney U -test, were used to analyze the data statistically. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings of the present study suggested narrowing of joint spaces to be the most significant finding observed in osteoarthritis group ( n = 30) followed by presence of osteophytes ( n = 21). In the rheumatoid arthritis group, narrowing of joint spaces was the most significant finding observed ( n = 34) with the second in order being flattening of the articular surfaces of condyles ( n = 16). Conclusions: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have high chances of affecting the TMJs impairing the functional capacity of joints. An early diagnosis, thus, becomes imperative to save affected patients from disabling morbidities.
Chikkanna et al. (Thu,) studied this question.