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Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences

versão On-line ISSN 1677-3225

Braz. J. Oral Sci. vol.9 no.2 Piracicaba Abr./Jun. 2010

 

CASE REPORT

 

Radiological study of three cases of loose bodies in the temporomandibular joint

 

 

Allan AbuabaraI; Dale A. MilesII; Giuseppe V. CruzIII; Luis A. PasseriIV

ISpecialist in Dental & Maxillofacial Radiology, Health Division of the City of Joinville, Brazil
IIDDS, MS, FRCD(C), University of Texas, San Antonio; Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Texas, USA.
IIIDDS, MS, Professor of Dental & Maxillofacial Radiology, Joinville University, Brazil
IVDDS, MSc, PhD, Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Brazil

Correspondence

 

 


ABSTRACT

According to the literature, loose bodies in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) primarily prompt to synovial chondromatosis (SC). SC is a cartilaginous metaplasia of the mesenchymal remnants of the synovial tissue of the joints. Its main characteristic is the formation of cartilaginous nodules in the synovium and inside the articular space, described as loose bodies. The main symptoms are pain, limitation of jaw movement, crepitation and inflammation. Diagnosis is made by panoramic radiograph, computed tomography scan and mainly magnetic resonance imaging. SC is usually monoarticular. We report two cases of bilateral loose bodies in TMJ and one monoarticular evaluated through plain radiograph and cone beam volumetric tomography (CBVT). Clinical and radiologic findings are reviewed and discussed. References for diagnosis of SC affecting TMJ are supported. Patients presenting preauricular swelling, pain and restriction of TMJ movements should be evaluated with plain radiography, CBVT and if necessary, magnetic resonance imaging. If loose bodies are found, synovial chondromatosis must be the first suspicion. The definitive diagnosis depends on histology. A differential diagnosis of chondrosarcoma should be considered because of the life-threatening features of chondrosarcoma.

Keywords: synovial chondromatosis, temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular joint disorders.


 

 

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Correspondence to:
Allan Abuabara
Rua Fernando Machado, 400, apto 201,
CEP: 89204-400 - Joinville-SC, Brazil
Phone: +55-47-3801 2423
E-mail: allan.abuabara@gmail.com

Received for publication: November 24, 2009
Accepted: June 9, 2010