Prevalence of degenerative alterations of osseous temporomandibular joint structures in cone beam computed tomograms in a consecutive sample of young adults. A retrospective study

Objective To assess the prevalence of bony temporomandibular joint (TMJ) alterations in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in young adults. Materials and methods CBCT images (taken in the years 2017 to 2022) of consecutive patients aged 18 to 30 years, who had skull CBCT prior to the removal of wisdom teeth, were evaluated by one experienced examiner with regard to degenerative osseous TMJ findings. Records of patients diagnosed with TMJ disorders were excluded. Respective orthopantomograms were screened for the presence of fixed orthodontic retainer wires hinting at previous orthodontic treatment. Results CBCT scans of 213 patients (mean age 23.9 ± 3.5; 135 women, 78 men) were evaluated. Bony alterations in both TMJs were found in 39.9% and bony alterations on at least one side in 64.3 %. Of 213 patients, 41.3% had condylar erosions, 28.2 % condylar flattening 24.4 % condylar osteophyte formation, 16 % condylar subchondral sclerosis, 4.7 % condylar resorption, 3.8 % condylar subchondral cysts, and 8 % fossa sclerosis on at least one side. The presence of orthodontic retainer wires, present in 55 patients, increased odds for condylar erosions in at least one TMJ by 4.046 (p < 0.001). Conclusions Degenerative osseous TMJ changes are a frequent finding in young adults. Orthodontic treatments seem to impact the prevalence of osseous TMJ alterations. Cl inical relevance Future studies should clarify the clinical relevance of osseous TMJ alterations and investigate their pathogenesis and pro-/regression with the passing of time in the context of diverse malocclusions and orthodontic measures.