Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of posterior region of the human temporomandibular disc.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze histologic and histomorphometric features of the articular disc in groups with and without disc displacement.


METHODS
A sample of 39 temporomandibular joints TMJs (31 case specimens, 8 control specimens) from 28 patients (mean age 31.2 years) were recruited for this study. The patients were considered to be affected and treated surgically with disc repositioning when presenting painful clinical signs of disc displacement after unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment for at least 6 months. Of the control patients, 4 presented condyle fracture which required opening to be reduced for treatment, and 4 displayed active condyle hyperplasia. The posterior region of the disc was removed and sent for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. Histologic (hematoxylin-eosin) and histomorphometric (picro-Sirius red) analyses were performed. Statistically significant differences between the analyzed groups were accessed through the chi-squared test (P <or= .05). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to observe the differences between mean values when variables did not present normal distribution [Kolmogorov-Smirnov(a) test].


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the groups in relation to the parameters studied by histologic and histomorphometric analysis (using or not using polarization).


CONCLUSIONS
To the limits of this study, there were no significant histologic and histomorphometric differences in the articular disc between groups with and without TMJ dysfunction.
Almeida
Luis Eduardo
LE
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Evalgelico e Curitiba, Curitiba, Brazil. lealmeida2@yahoo.com
Baioni
Carla S
CS
Martins
Ana Paula C
AP
Line
Sérgio Roberto P
SR
Noronha
Lúcia
L
Trevilatto
Paula C
PC
de Lima
Antonio Adilson S
AA
de Oliveira Filho
Marco Antonio
MA
Ignácio
Sérgio Aparecido
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D024022:Fibrillar Collagens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
D024022:Fibrillar Collagens