A Study Of TMJ Remodeling In Adolescent TMD Patients

To evaluate the effects of natural progression and stabilization splint therapy on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structural remodeling in adolescent temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) patients with different degrees of anterior disc displacement (ADD). CBCT and MRI data of 80 TMJ samples were analyzed, which were divided into disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and without reduction (ADDwoR) groups. Condylar morphology and position were assessed using 3D Slicer 5.6.2 and PACS systems before and after TMD natural progression and stabilization splint therapy. A self-control study was then conducted to compare changes between natural progression and splint therapy periods. After TMD natural progression, condylar volume and morphological index increased significantly in ADDwR but not in ADDwoR. After stabilization splint therapy, both groups showed significant increases in condylar volume, morphological index, and vertical diameter. After excluding the influence of natural progression, stabilization splint therapy exerts a greater promotive effect on condylar bone remodeling in ADDwoR group than that in ADDwR group. The condyle of adolescent TMD patients has a certain growth potential, which promotes condylar bone remodeling and is negatively correlated with the severity of ADD. Furthermore, stabilization splint therapy promotes condylar bone remodeling in adolescent TMD patients, particularly in ADDwoR cases, by guiding the condyle to a more posterior position and improving joint space distribution.