title: Malocclusion associated with osteocartilaginous loose bodies of the temporomandibular joint.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The authors review the literature regarding osteocartilaginous loose bodies (that is, secondary synovial chondrometaplasia or secondary synovial chondromatosis) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), present a case report and stress the importance of early diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 57-year-old woman was referred to an orthodontist with a chief complaint of bite changes that took place over several years as the patient intermittently experienced TMJ problems. The authors noted radiopacities around the right TMJ space on a panoramic radiograph. They referred the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Asymmetrical occlusal changes in a nongrowing adult with progressive shifts from Class I to Class III malocclusion unilaterally may indicate a space-occupying lesion in the TMJ space on the affected side.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern California, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, USA.
authors.forename: Sophia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Xiang
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rebellato
authors.forename: Carrie Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Inwards
authors.forename: Eugene E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Keller
mesh_terms: D015838:Chondromatosis, Synovial / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007594:Joint Loose Bodies / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology