Morphological changes of temporomandibular joint architecture in patients with temporomandibular disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are frequently associated with structural alterations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This systematic review evaluated morphological changes in TMJ components including condyle, articular disc, joint space, glenoid fossa, and articular eminence in individuals with TMD.

METHODS

The systematic review included studies done in adult subjects with any one sign or symptom of TMD or studies done in subjects diagnosed with TMD, not limited to DC/TMD criteria, RDC/TMD criteria, using three-dimensional imaging. Systematic searches were conducted in 8 databases from inception to December 2025. Analytical observational studies were selected, and critical appraisal was performed. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for systematic effectiveness reviews were followed for data appraisal, extraction, and synthesis.

RESULTS

190 articles are included in the systematic review. Most studies reported alterations in various components of the TMJ in patients with temporomandibular disorder.

CONCLUSION

TMD appears to be associated with significant osseous and soft-tissue changes, including condylar flattening, erosions, osteophyte formation, sclerosis, reduced condylar volume, glenoid fossa variations, altered articular eminence morphology and inclination, disc displacement, disc morphological alterations, and changes in joint space dimensions.