Articular degeneration and remodeling in human temporomandibular joints with normal and abnormal disc position

Temporomandibular joints with normal and abnormal disc positions, obtained from 15 females and 38 males (most between 15 and 50 years of age), were examined under a light microscope. Histologic changes attributed to degeneration and remodeling of the articular tissues were graded according to their prominence and extension along the articular surfaces. These changes seemed little affected by internal derangement in the condyle and the temporal component. In contrast, degeneration and regressive remodeling of the disc and, although to a much lesser degree, its attachments were more severe and increased more steeply with age in internally deranged as compared to normal joints. The present findings suggest that the disc indeed suffers from an abnormal position. However, this conclusion seems tenable only for adults, as rather prominent progressive remodeling changes have been observed in joints from adolescents, but no significant degenerative variations were noted.