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Abstract

Soft tissue calcification of the temporomandibular joints can occur in various conditions. Synovial chondromatosis, calcium pyrophosphate arthropathy (pseudogout), and osteochondritis dissecans are known conditions associated with joint-free bodies. Gaining knowledge about the prevalence of cases such as calcification, erosion, and osteophyte can help us understand their clinical significance when they are found alone or in association with disease or other conditions. The present study aims to investigate the frequency of soft tissue calcification of the temporomandibular joints using CBCT in a selected Iranian population. A total of 253 CBCT images were collected from the joints of patients (both male and female) who visited radiology clinics in Urmia City from 2015 to 2016. CBCT images were prepared using a Planmeca Promax 3D device with kvp=90 and mat=10. The images were reconstructed using Romexis software and examined on an HP eitebook8440w monitor in a semi-dark room by two independent observers. To examine calcifications, coronal and sagittal axial sections with a thickness of 2 mm and osteophyte and erosion sections with a thickness of 1 mm were examined. The results revealed that out of a total of 253 cases that were studied, 53 cases had calcification in the temporomandibular joint soft tissue. Also, only 67 cases had erosion in the condyle. The prevalence of osteophyte in the condyle was 26 cases. None of the studied cases were associated with gender. The agreement between the two observers was high based on the Wilcoxon test and there was no significant difference .According to this study, CBCT is a suitable imaging method for examining calcifications and bone changes in the temporomandibular joint (based on the agreement of two observers). More studies are needed to confirm this result.