Pathophysiology of Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis: Review

Abstract

As for temporomandibular joint arthritis (TMJ OA), managing the contributing factors at an early stage through accurate diagnosis is necessary to prevent irreversible bone changes. TMJ OA, which is a multi-organ disease caused by various pathophysiological mechanisms, is developed mainly due to mechanical overload. It is a disease characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone as a low-level inflammatory arthritis condition developed by dysregulation of catabolic and anabolic activity of chondrocytes. Age, mechanical overload sensing of cartilage, chondrocyte apoptosis, catabolic enzymes, inflammatory factors, abnormal remodeling of subchondral bone, and estrogens may be involved in the pathogenesis of arthritis. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is needed to diagnose and manage progressive cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling, and associated symptoms of TMJ OA.

A Large Subchondral Cyst in an Osteoarthritic Temporomandibular Joint: A Case Report

“…TMJ OA is a low-level inflammatory and slowly progressive degenerative disorder characterized by damage to the articular cartilage and changes in the subchondral bone [1]. Excessive mechanical loading associated with occlusal treatment, trauma, unstable occlusion, or reductions in host adaptive capacity with aging can possibly damage the TMJ, leading to TMJ OA [2].…”