ABSTRACT
The existing assumption was that temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis and internal derangement were progressive disorders whereby a click progresses to locking, restriction, and ultimately disc or retrodiscal tear and degenerative joint disease. The records of 400 patients managed over 30 years ago for craniomandibular pain or dysfunction were screened. Patients were included if their current age was between 50 and 70 years, there was no other diagnosed craniomandibular disorder, and they were able to attend for a consultation. The diagnostic criteria have now been superseded by better criteria and therefore it is not absolutely clear whether some symptoms were related to “joint disease” and not myofascial pain. Radiographic examination was limited to plain transcranial radiographs showing “structural changes.” The treatment modalities most frequently used in the past were reassurance, exercises, superficial heat, and intra-articular injections. Diagnostic capabilities were limited to plain radiographs which could not differentiate between osteoarthrosis and remodelling.
