Trabecular structural changes in the mandibular condyle caused by degenerative osteoarthritis: a comparative study by cone-beam computed tomography imaging

Objectives Temporomandibular osteoarthritis causes pain and loss of function. In advanced cases, it may also result in destruction of joint cartilage surfaces and bone structure. Methods This study was performed to examine the potential changes in the condylar trabecular bone structure in patients with temporomandibular osteoarthritis. Condylar trabecular structures were compared between 35 healthy patients and 35 patients with temporomandibular osteoarthritis by a box-counting method using fractal dimensional analysis on cone-beam computed tomography images. Results The average fractal dimensions of patients with temporomandibular osteoarthritis and healthy patients were 1.18 and 1.23, respectively. This difference was statistically significant ( p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Our results add to the existing preliminary knowledge regarding the osteoporotic changes that occur in the trabecular structure under the subchondral bone, which is normally not seen on radiographic images, as well as the destruction and remodeling that occur on the condyle surface, which is visible on radiographic images.