Assessment of degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joint: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study

Context: Degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may show radiological characteristics similar to remodeling changes in an asymptomatic joint. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the bone changes in the condylar process of the TMJ in patients and associate the changes with age and gender. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences over a period of 2 years following institutional ethical clearance. Data were retrieved from the computer database and assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) (NewTom VGi evo). Subjects and Methods: Two hundred TMJ CBCT images were assessed in 100 patients. The study sample was carefully selected to exclude patients with any medical problems. The same bone changes in the condylar process were found in at least two consecutive slices by a single observer to avoid misinterpretation. Statistical Analysis: Data were collected and subjected to statistical analysis using kappa statistics for intraobserver reliability and using Chi-square test for comparison of parameters (P