Malocclusion associated with osteocartilaginous loose bodies of the temporomandibular joint.

BACKGROUND

The authors review the literature regarding osteocartilaginous loose bodies (that is, secondary synovial chondrometaplasia or secondary synovial chondromatosis) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), present a case report and stress the importance of early diagnosis.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57-year-old woman was referred to an orthodontist with a chief complaint of bite changes that took place over several years as the patient intermittently experienced TMJ problems. The authors noted radiopacities around the right TMJ space on a panoramic radiograph. They referred the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Asymmetrical occlusal changes in a nongrowing adult with progressive shifts from Class I to Class III malocclusion unilaterally may indicate a space-occupying lesion in the TMJ space on the affected side.