title: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: diagnosis and long-term conservative management: a topic review.
abstract: Degenerative joint disease (DJD), a common osteoarthritic problem encountered in clinical practice presents as a chronic debilitating disease resulting in altered joint structure due to degradation and loss of articular cartilage, along with changes in the subchondral bone and other soft tissues. DJD is a frequent finding in the Temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Consequently, a good understanding of the use of a diagnostic algorithm will lead to a better control of DJD in the TMJ. The etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis is complex, and it is associated with multiple risk factors. The condition progresses slowly through different phases with periods of remission and activity finally reaching the burnout phase. Conservative management forms the cornerstone for the treatment of most of these cases. This review attempts to acquaint the dentist with the diagnosis, pathogenesis and general characteristics of the disease while highlighting and updating them with the current conservative treatment algorithms in order to assist in the formulation of a treatment plan for these patients.
authors.affiliation: Mallya Hospital, No. 2 Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore, 560001 India ; No. 64, Vaishnavi, Halasahalli, Gunjur Post, via Varthur, Bangalore, 560087 India.
authors.forename: Mythili
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kalladka
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, 110 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07101 USA.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quek
authors.affiliation: Center for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM), 110 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ USA.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heir
authors.affiliation: Eastman Institute of Oral Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA.
authors.forename: Eli
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eliav
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 240 S 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.
authors.forename: Muralidhar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mupparapu
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA USA.
authors.forename: Archana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Viswanath
keywords: Conservative management; Degenerative joint disease; Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis