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Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Long-Term Conservative Management: A Topic Review

  • Review Article
  • Published:
The Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society

Abstract

Degenerative joint disease (DJD), a common osteoarthritic problem encountered in clinical practice presents as a chronic debilitating disease resulting in altered joint structure due to degradation and loss of articular cartilage, along with changes in the subchondral bone and other soft tissues. DJD is a frequent finding in the Temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Consequently, a good understanding of the use of a diagnostic algorithm will lead to a better control of DJD in the TMJ. The etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis is complex, and it is associated with multiple risk factors. The condition progresses slowly through different phases with periods of remission and activity finally reaching the burnout phase. Conservative management forms the cornerstone for the treatment of most of these cases. This review attempts to acquaint the dentist with the diagnosis, pathogenesis and general characteristics of the disease while highlighting and updating them with the current conservative treatment algorithms in order to assist in the formulation of a treatment plan for these patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mallya Hospital, No. 2 Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore, 560001, India

    Mythili Kalladka

  2. Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, 110 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ, 07101, USA

    Samuel Quek

  3. Center for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM), 110 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ, USA

    Gary Heir

  4. Eastman Institute of Oral Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA

    Eli Eliav

  5. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 240 S 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Muralidhar Mupparapu

  6. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    Archana Viswanath

  7. No. 64, Vaishnavi, Halasahalli, Gunjur Post, via Varthur, Bangalore, 560087, India

    Mythili Kalladka

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  1. Mythili Kalladka
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  2. Samuel Quek
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Correspondence to Mythili Kalladka.

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Kalladka, M., Quek, S., Heir, G. et al. Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Long-Term Conservative Management: A Topic Review. J Indian Prosthodont Soc 14, 6–15 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13191-013-0321-3

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