Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the status of the temporomandibular joint(TMJ) in patients with complaints of joint pain for improving clinical therapy.Methods　Twentythree joints in twenty patientswho complained ofTMJ painwere examined radio- graphically and arthroscopically.Results　There were at least one and more to six pathological changes could be found arthro- scopically in the 23 temporomandibular joints, which were different in some respects with radiographic findings.Conclusion　 TMJ related pain may be associated with pathological alterations in the TMJ, and synovitis may be one of the causes ofTMJ pain.

Key words: temporomandibular joint, joint pain, arthroscopy