Resumen

SOLORZANO PELAEZ, Ana Lorena; GONZALEZ BLANCO, Olga; BALDA ZAVARCE, Rebeca  y  GARCIA-AROCHA, Cecilia. Osteoarthritis affecting the Temporomandibular: Joint (III). Acta odontol. venez [online]. 1999, vol.37, n.3, pp.91-97. ISSN 0001-6365.

In the osteoarthritis affecting the temporomandibular joint, the macroscopic aspects of the cartilage presents some modifications, histologically, there is a proteoglycan depletion, collagen fiber network desintegration, and a fatty degeneration. The underlyng cartilagenous zone is modified. There are microfractures, and subarticular deposition of bone. It might be osteophytic lipping. The new bone might be smooth, sclerotic, or eburnated. Other structural changes are discussed.  Clinical findings may include point tenderness on palpation, crepitus, limited range of motion with deviation on opening  to the affected side, and radiographic evidence of structural bony changes. The management of patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint is best accomplished by conservative and non-invasive measures.

Palabras clave : Osteoarthritis; diagnosis; histopathology; signs and symptoms; treatment; prognosis.