Abstract Background and Aim: Generalized osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis are one of the most common etiologies for the clinical signs and symptoms associated with temporomandibular joints (TMJs). The intent of the present study was to evaluate morphological changes in 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 included 80 patients with generalized osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis who were randomly selected through stratified random sampling technique, and allocated to two groups with 40 patients in each group. Again, CT images were evaluated for the presence of distinct morphological changes in the form of narrowing of joint spaces, flattening of the articular surfaces of condyles, osteophytes on articular surfaces of the condyles and glenoid fossa, and subchondral sclerosis, whereas the data obtained, statistically analyzed. Results: The observations made in the present study suggested narrowing of joint spaces to be the most significant finding observed in the osteoarthritis group ( n = 30, 75.0%) followed by presence of osteophytes ( n = 21, 52.5%). In the rheumatoid arthritis group, again, narrowing of joint spaces was the most significant finding observed ( n = 34, 85.0%) with the second in order being flattening of the articular surfaces of condyles ( n = 16, 40.0%). Conclusions: Generalized osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis have high chances of affecting the TMJs, moreso, in advanced stages, while impairing the functional capacity of the joints. An early diagnosis, thus, becomes imperative to save the affected patients from permanent and disabling morbidities.
Chikkanna et al. (2026) studied this question.