To determine whether temporomandibular joint (TMJ) changes are similar between adolescent and older TMJ disorder (TMD) patients, a retrospective chart review for TMJ MRIs was done for disc and bone changes. Patients were divided into adolescent, adult and elderly groups.
The groups had similar prevalence of joint changes and number of joints involved. Disc changes were more prevalent in adolescents (p = 0.008), while bone changes were more prevalent in the elderly group (p = 0.10). Anterior disc displacement was the most common finding and was most prevalent in adolescents (p < 0.001).
Adolescents display similar disc/bone changes in their TMJ as older TMD patients.