Effectiveness of bone scans in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of bone scan procedures for the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis. Methods: From February 2009 to June 2009, 22 patients (4 males and 18 females) from Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Republic of Korea, were diagnosed with TMJ disorder. They were examined by clinical examination, plain radiograph and bone scan and were categorized into three groups: normal, internal derangement and osteoarthritis. TMJ uptake ratios and asymmetrical indices were calculated. Results: There were no significant differences in uptake ratios associated with pain and bone change. However, significant results were obtained when comparing uptake ratios between the osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis groups. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that bone scans may help to diagnose osteoarthritis when increased uptake ratios are observed.