An investigation of magnetic resonance imaging features in 14 patients with synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

Diagnosis and management of temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis: A systematic review

The aim of this study was to systematically review the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis (TMJ-SC). Using a systematic study design based on the PRISMA guideline, the researchers implemented and analyzed a cohort of relevant publications indexed by PubMed, Embase, Medline, and LILACS between January 1990 and December 2022. The outcomes of interest were demographics of the primary studies, and Clinical, radiological, and therapeutic data associated with TMJ-SC. The study samples included 8 studies presenting 121 TMJ-SC cases (73.6% female; 100% unilateral; 53.7% left-sided; mean age, 43.3 ± SD 5,80 [range, 21-81]. Non-specific symptoms were mostly reported, including TMJ pain, noise and local inflammation, and/or malocclusion. Radiographically, loose bodies, masses with low-signal foci, and calcification were common charateristics. Until now, there has been no internationally accepted consensus on diagnosis and management of TMJ-SC. Arthroscopic surgery should be performed on masses confined to the superior TMJ space, while open arthroplasty is indicated in cases with the extra-articular extension. A combination of both treatment methods may be necessary, when the lesion locates extending beyond the medial groove of the condyle.

Intra-articular calcifications of the temporomandibular joint and associations with degenerative bone alterations

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to determine the prevalence of calcifications in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to evaluate any associations between the presence of such calcifications and degenerative bone alterations of the TMJ, sex, or age.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, 1,058 CBCT exams were analyzed, and data regarding the presence and quantity of calcifications, the affected side, any degenerative alterations of the condyle, sex, and age were collected. To evaluate associations between the presence of calcifications and sex or age, the Fisher exact test or the Spearman correlation coefficient, respectively, was used. To assess the association between the presence of calcifications and joint bone alterations, the chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used. The significance level adopted was 5% (P<0.05).

Results

Twenty-eight patients (2.7%) presented with TMJ calcifications, including 23 women (82.1%) and 5 men (17.9%). Significant correlations were found between the presence of calcifications and age (P<0.05) and between the presence of calcifications and the presence of condylar alterations (P<0.05), with 73.2% of patients with bone alterations having TMJ calcifications.

Conclusion

It may be concluded that, although rare (with a prevalence of only 2.7%), intra-articular calcifications are associated with both degenerative bone alterations and age.

Computed tomographic features of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with a few small calcified loose bodies

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to clarify the characteristic computed tomography (CT) features that indicate synovial chondromatosis (SC) with a few small calcified bodies or without calcification on panoramic images, and to discuss their differences from the features of temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

METHODS

Panoramic and CT images from 11 patients with histologically verified SC of the temporomandibular joint were investigated. Based on the panoramic images, the patients were classified into a distinct group (5 patients) with typical features of calcified loose bodies and an indistinct group (6 patients) without such bodies. On the CT images, findings for high-density structures suggesting calcified loose bodies, joint space widening, and bony changes in the articular eminence and glenoid fossa (eminence/fossa) and condyle were analyzed.

RESULTS

All 5 distinct group patients showed high-density structures on CT images, while 2 of 6 indistinct group patients showed no high-density structures even on soft-tissue window CT images. A significant difference was found for the joint space distance between the affected and unaffected sides. A low-density area relative to the surrounding muscles, suggesting joint space widening, was observed on the affected side in 2 indistinct group patients. All 11 patients regardless of distinct or indistinct classification showed bony changes in the eminence/fossa with predominant findings of extended sclerosis and erosion.

CONCLUSION

Eminence/fossa osseous changes including extended sclerosis and erosion may be effective CT features for differentiating SC from TMD even when calcified loose bodies cannot be identified.

Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint: A clinical and arthroscopic study of 16 cases

OBJECTIVES

Present and overview the clinical finding, management and arthroscopic study of Synovial Chondromatosis (SC) cases in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) treated by our team.

STUDY DESIGN

During year 2008-2018, 16 TMJ SC cases were treated and reviewed. The clinical manifestations, radiographic data, arthroscopic study and pathologic findings were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Average age of first visit was 32.68. The ratio of male/female was 2/14, right/left was 7/9. The most common symptoms were pain, continuous crepitus and limited mouth opening (LMO). All cases were examined by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperative and proved by pathology postoperative. The diagnostic rates of CT and MRI were 12.5% and 93.75% respectively. 1 case could not be detected by both, but by arthroscopy. Particles in all cases occurred in the upper joint cavity and were all removed by arthroscopic technique. No recurrence was found after 3 years follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI and arthroscopic technique could be the first choice in the diagnosis and treatment of SC. Most cases were in stage 3 of the disease at the first visit. Low recurrence rate may be attributed to the improvement of intra-articular environment after surgery. Larger sample sizes are needed for further study.

Temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis accompanying temporal bone proliferation: A case report

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare metaplastic disease affecting the joints, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Since its symptoms are similar to those of temporomandibular disorders, a careful differential diagnosis is essential. A 50-year-old male patient was referred with the chief complaint of pain and radiopaque masses around the left TMJ on panoramic radiography. Clinically, pre-auricular swelling and resting pain was found, without limitation of mouth opening. On cone-beam computed tomographic images, multiple calcified nodules adjacent to the TMJ and bone proliferation with sclerosis at the articular fossa and eminence were found. T2-weighted magnetic resonance images showed multiple signal-void nodules with high signal effusion in the superior joint space and thickened cortical bone at the articular fossa and eminence. The calcified nodules were removed by surgical excision, but the hypertrophic articular fossa and eminence remained. A histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was followed up few months later without recurrence.

Synovial chondromatosis of the right side temporomandibular joint extending to the middle cranial fossa: A case report with 7-year postoperative follow up and expression of a biomarker of cell proliferative activity

INTRODUCTION

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with cranial extension is rare. Here, we report 7-year follow-up of a case with immunohistochemical examination of cell proliferative activity.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient was a 72-year-old man. Severe bone resorption of the glenoid fossa was apparent on CT images. Pathological findings by biopsy led to diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis of the right side TMJ. Extirpation of the tumor was performed via temporopreauricular incision under general anesthesia. PCNA expression was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The lesion had penetrated into the middle cranial fossa, but the cranial dura mater was intact. Expression of PCNA was confirmed.

DISCUSSION

The PCNA expression suggested that growth activity caused expansion of the lesion to the skull base.

CONCLUSION

We were able to follow up this case for a long period without recurrence postoperatively.

Pseudotumor in the temporomandibular joint: A case report

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Neoplastic disease of the TMJ is a rare condition.

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We report a case of pseudotumor of the TMJ.

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This case was difficult to differentiate from synovial chondromatosis.

Introduction

Neoplastic disease in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare condition and is difficult to differentiate from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) based on symptoms and simple X-ray examinations. Potential differential diagnoses include synovial chondromatosis and pseudotumor, both of which are also relatively rare in the TMJ.

Presentation of case

We report a case of pseudotumor of the TMJ that was difficult to differentiate from synovial chondromatosis in a 71-year-old woman with a chief complaint of pain in the left TMJ. MRI of the right TMJ initially led to diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis. Extirpation of the lesion was performed under general anesthesia. Histopathological findings of the resected specimen revealed inflammatory granulation tissue without cellular atypism.

Discussion

The pathological findings for the resected specimen were compatible with pseudotumor of the TMJ. These findings were not supportive of synovial chondromatosis or other tumor diseases.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of careful examination of a mass lesion in the TMJ for differentiation from other TMJ-related diseases.

Diagnostic imaging for temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain

The focus of this article is diagnostic imaging used for the evaluation of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain patients. Imaging modalities discussed include conventional panoramic radiography, panoramic temporomandibular joint imaging mode, cone beam computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The imaging findings associated with common diseases of the temporomandibular joint are presented and indications for brain imaging are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of each imaging modality are presented as well as illustrations of the various imaging techniques.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (pseudogout)

This report describes a very rare case of synovial chondromatosis with deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals (pseudogout) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of a 46-year-old male patient. Synovial chondromatosis is a non-neoplastic disease characterized by metaplasia of the connective tissue leading to chondrogenesis in the synovial membrane. Pseudogout is an inflammatory disease of the joints caused by the deposition of CPPD, producing similar symptoms to those observed in gout but not hyperuricaemia. Both diseases commonly affect the knee, hip and elbow joints, but rarely affect the TMJ.

The use of arthrography in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is very rare and can occur in either or both cavities. Differentiation of the affected cavity in SC is therefore as important as making the diagnosis. This report presents a case of SC in which both cavities were thought to be affected, but arthrography using cone beam CT (CBCT) allowed us to see that involvement was limited to the superior joint cavity. In addition, we describe the usefulness of arthrographic CBCT for diagnosis and treatment planning in SC of the TMJ.

Arthroscopic management for synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: a retrospective review of 33 cases

PURPOSE

To present clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic results of patients with synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint; to introduce a technique for removal of loose bodies in different areas; and to summarize the indications of therapeutic arthroscopy according to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From April 2001 to April 2010, 33 consecutive patients underwent arthroscopy. Their demographics, clinical manifestations, imaging studies, arthroscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

The predominant symptoms were pain, limitation of mouth opening, and joint sounds. Obvious joint effusion was shown on MRI in 21 of 33 patients. Mass lesions were shown on MRI in 29 of 33 cases. The presence of loose bodies was shown in 31 cases under an arthroscope. Synovial hyperplasia was noted in 12 patients. Bony erosion of the articular surface was discovered in 11 patients. Thirty-two patients underwent therapeutic arthroscopy. Smaller loose bodies were commonly removed with joint lavage or biopsy forceps in 24 patients. Fragmentation with forceps or a wider additional incision was applied to remove larger loose bodies in 7 patients. Debridement was applied to remove intrasynovial lesions in 7 patients. Coblation was used to remove the hyperplastic synovium in 10 of 32 patients. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 38 months. No recurrence was suspected clinically and radiologically.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic arthroscopy was appropriate for patients with separate mass lesions and no extra-articular extension. Surgical treatment comprised thorough removal of loose bodies and affected synovial tissues.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: MRI findings with pathological comparison

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective study was to characterize MRI findings of synovial chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by correlation with their pathological findings.

METHODS

22 patients with synovial chondromatosis in unilateral TMJ were referred for plain MRI prior to surgical management and pathological examinations. Parasagittal and coronal proton density-weighted imaging and T₂ weighted imaging were performed for each case.

RESULTS

MRI demonstrated multiple chondroid nodules and joint effusion in all patients (100%) and amorphous iso-intensity signal tissues within expanded joint space and capsule in 19 patients (86.4%). On T₂ weighted imaging, signs of low signal nodules within amorphous iso-intensity signal tissues were used to determine the presence of attached cartilaginous nodules in pathology, resulting in 100% sensitivity, 60% specificity and 90.9% accuracy. Signs of low and intermediate signal nodules within joint fluids were used to detect loose cartilaginous nodules and resulted in 80% sensitivity, 42.9% specificity and 68.2% accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI of synovial chondromatosis in TMJ was characterized by multiple chondroid nodules, joint effusion and amorphous iso-intensity signal tissues within the expanded space and capsule. The attached cartilaginous nodules in pathology were better recognized than the loose ones on MRI. Plain MRI was useful for clinical diagnosis of the disorder.

Synovial chondromatosis in the inferior compartment of the temporomandibular joint: different stages with different treatments

PURPOSE

To discuss a new classification and the treatment principles of synovial chondromatosis (SC) in the inferior compartment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five cases of SC in the inferior compartment were treated in an open manner between January 2008 and May 2011. Each case had different clinical and radiologic aspects and was treated with different surgical therapies. SC in the inferior compartment of the TMJ is classified into 3 stages. All patients were evaluated by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical manifestations preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were 3 kinds of manifestation modes from radiologic findings. Case 1 was in stage 1, in which multiple loose bodies are noted without bony erosion. This patient was treated by removal of loose bodies and affected synovium. Case 2 was in stage 2, in which multiple calcified nodules were conglutinated to the condyle; the condyle was enlarged with pressure erosions. This patient was treated by condylectomy and reconstruction with costochondral graft. Case 3, case 4, and case 5 were all in stage 3, in which the condyle was destroyed as a result of pressure erosions or by direct bony invasion of the mass and the inferior surface of the disc was involved. These patients were treated by condylectomy together with discectomy, as well as reconstruction with costochondral graft and pedicled deep temporal fascial fat flap. No recurrence occurred. The height of the ramus and the occlusion were maintained in the same condition as preoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new classification of SC in the inferior compartment of the TMJ can better guide clinical treatment.

Clinical and radiologic findings of synovial chondromatosis affecting the temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to study the clinical and radiologic findings of synovial chondromatosis (SC) affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and provide references for diagnosis and treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty patients confirmed as SC histopathologically were included in the investigation. Nineteen cases were treated with arthrotomy and 1 case with arthroscopy. The clinical manifestations, radiographic findings, histopathologic features, surgical treatment, and differential diagnosis were combined to study this disease. The SC features of TMJ on magnetic resonance (MR) images were summarized on proton density-weighted (PD) and T2-weighted images.

RESULTS

Synovial chondromatosis of TMJ occurred more often in women and on the right. Symptoms included preauricular pain, swelling, limitation of mouth opening, crepitations, and deviation on opening. The detection rate of calcified loose bodies was 30% on conventional radiographs and 53.3% on computerized tomography. Multiple small ring-like or tubular signals could be seen on PD and T2-weighted MR images. SC mainly affected the superior joint space; it could involve the inferior space when a perforated or deformed disc was present. SC could extend into intracranial fossa, infratemporal fossa, and lateral pytergoid muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristic ring-like signals could be found on MR images of the patients with SC of TMJ. This lesion should be differentially diagnosed with TMJ disorders and preauricular masses. Considering its recurrence and the different behavior of SC in different patients, various treatment strategies should be considered.