In recent years infrared spectroscopy has been increasingly used for the analytical determination of biologic fluids and tissues. With the help of this method it was possible to investigate the various types of arthritis affecting the knee joint, among others. The aim of our study was to show that infrared spectroscopy can also be used as a method to analyze the synovial fluid of the temporomandibular joint to differentiate between inflammatory and noninflammatory disorders.
Using Fourier transform/infrared spectroscopy analysis, comparable absorption spectra with characteristic signals in the corresponding range of wavelength were shown and used to prove pathologic alterations in the synovial fluid. Samples of 22 patients with arthritis of the temporomandibular joint and 12 patients with noninflammatory internal derangement were investigated and compared with each other.
Our measurements presented a distinct intensity difference between the absorption spectra of patients who had arthritis and those without signs of an inflammatory change but with an internal derangement as control specimens. Due to the small number of undiluted samples it was not possible to follow up with a multivariant analysis, necessary for a differential diagnostic evaluation between the individual types of arthritis.
A certain differentiation between arthritic and noninflamed temporomandibular joints can be noted with infrared spectroscopy of the synovial fluid. This represents a valuable option for minimally invasive diagnostic proof of inflammation in cases of joint disorders.