Radiology, Vol 154, 125-127, Copyright © 1985 by Radiological Society of North America

ARTICLES

Internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint: findings in the pediatric age group

RW Katzberg, RH Tallents, K Hayakawa, TL Miller, MJ Goske and BP Wood

Findings in 31 pediatric patients with pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are reported. The average age was 14 years (range, 8-16) and the average duration of symptoms was 21.4 months (range, 3 mo.-5 yr.). Internal derangements were found in 29 patients (94%) and degenerative arthritis in 13 (42%). In 12 patients (39%), the problem could be traced to an injury to the jaw. Secondary condylar hypoplasia was associated with the meniscal abnormality in 3 patients (10%). Further awareness of internal derangements of the TMJ in the pediatric population should permit greater recognition of their etiology. It is important that treatment be initiated as soon as possible, not only to minimize the development of osseous disease in young adults but also to prevent facial growth deformities.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B Buranastidporn, M Hisano, and K Soma Effect of biomechanical disturbance of the temporomandibular joint on the prevalence of internal derangement in mandibular asymmetry Eur J Orthod, June 1, 2006; 28(3): 199 - 205. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. Buranastidporn, M. Hisano, and K. Soma Temporomandibular joint internal derangement in mandibular asymmetry. What is the relationship? Eur J Orthod, February 1, 2006; 28(1): 83 - 88. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]