This study determined the osteoarthrotic changes in the human mandibular condyle in relation to aging and the loss of dental occlusal contacts.
Thirty-four condyles obtained at autopsy were studied morphologically, radiologically, and histologically.
With advancing age, the articular surface of the mandibular condyle morphologically showed severe degenerative changes. The condyles with these changes tended to be from the side of the mandible with minimal areas of occlusal contact. Radiographically, an irregularity of the cortical bone plate was most commonly seen in the fifth and sixth decades, whereas a polygonal or flattened structure was mainly observed after the seventh decade.
The histologic findings suggest that a decrease in the cellular components with advancing age may play a critical role in the development of degenerative changes.