azwildcats70
01-15-2009, 05:29 PM
Hello all,
I'm new here and was hoping you all could help me decipher this. While on holiday, I bit into a piece of very tough pork tenderloin (that was left cooking way too long, but I was trying to be polite) and there was a loud pop that everyone at the dinner table heard. I went to a maxillofacial surgeon who took xrays and said that there seemed to be no joint space left. He also noted previously healed fractures (which I don't recall having). I went to get an MRI and picked up the radiologist report today but I am having trouble deciphering it. Maybe some of you who are more knowledgeable could make heads or tails of it.
"The right mandibular condyle demonstrates flattening and an irregular contour as well as sclerosis and small defects. This may be due to prior trauma. There is narrowing of the right joint space on closed mouth view. The meniscal disc appears fragmented with no distinct anterior or posterior visible on closed mouth position. An effusion is also noted.
On open mouth position there is a partial translation of the mandibular condyle which does not lie completely below the temporal eminence. Again there is no distinct visualization of a normal meniscal disc though a remnant of the posterior disc is seen detached within the mandibular fossa.
Impression: Sclerosis and irregularity of the right mandibular condyle suggestive of prior chronic trauma. Also noted is fragmentation of the meniscal disc and narrowing of the joint space as well as effusion."
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Any advice would be most appreciated!
Thanks
AZWildcats.
I'm new here and was hoping you all could help me decipher this. While on holiday, I bit into a piece of very tough pork tenderloin (that was left cooking way too long, but I was trying to be polite) and there was a loud pop that everyone at the dinner table heard. I went to a maxillofacial surgeon who took xrays and said that there seemed to be no joint space left. He also noted previously healed fractures (which I don't recall having). I went to get an MRI and picked up the radiologist report today but I am having trouble deciphering it. Maybe some of you who are more knowledgeable could make heads or tails of it.
"The right mandibular condyle demonstrates flattening and an irregular contour as well as sclerosis and small defects. This may be due to prior trauma. There is narrowing of the right joint space on closed mouth view. The meniscal disc appears fragmented with no distinct anterior or posterior visible on closed mouth position. An effusion is also noted.
On open mouth position there is a partial translation of the mandibular condyle which does not lie completely below the temporal eminence. Again there is no distinct visualization of a normal meniscal disc though a remnant of the posterior disc is seen detached within the mandibular fossa.
Impression: Sclerosis and irregularity of the right mandibular condyle suggestive of prior chronic trauma. Also noted is fragmentation of the meniscal disc and narrowing of the joint space as well as effusion."
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Any advice would be most appreciated!
Thanks
AZWildcats.
Sponsor
susu2007
01-15-2009, 05:44 PM
Hi,
What you really need to do is show your MRI scans and report to a TMJ specialist who can explain in detail the MRI findings.
Have you had any symptoms apart from the popping that one time? The MRI report seems to indicate you have had your problems for a while, especially the fragmentation of the disc, the effusion and the irregular contours of the condyle.
I would suggest you look up some diagrams on the internet and that will give you an idea of the anatomy of the TMJ and help you understand some of the jargon in the report.
Most importantly, you need to consult a specialist.
Best of luck,..
What you really need to do is show your MRI scans and report to a TMJ specialist who can explain in detail the MRI findings.
Have you had any symptoms apart from the popping that one time? The MRI report seems to indicate you have had your problems for a while, especially the fragmentation of the disc, the effusion and the irregular contours of the condyle.
I would suggest you look up some diagrams on the internet and that will give you an idea of the anatomy of the TMJ and help you understand some of the jargon in the report.
Most importantly, you need to consult a specialist.
Best of luck,..
azwildcats70
01-15-2009, 05:48 PM
Thanks a bunch for your response... I have an appointment with the Maxillofacial Surgeon tomorrow evening. Was just trying to figure out what's what before I go see him so that I can make the most informed decision.
p.s. I use to play tons of sports (softball, volleyball, racquetball) 6 nights a week and the doc said that I also had some previously healed fractures - so maybe that's where they came from. I have had clicking and the occasional popping for the last year but nothing like what happened recently.
Hi,
What you really need to do is show your MRI scans and report to a TMJ specialist who can explain in detail the MRI findings.
Have you had any symptoms apart from the popping that one time? The MRI report seems to indicate you have had your problems for a while, especially the fragmentation of the disc, the effusion and the irregular contours of the condyle.
I would suggest you look up some diagrams on the internet and that will give you an idea of the anatomy of the TMJ and help you understand some of the jargon in the report.
Most importantly, you need to consult a specialist.
Best of luck,..
p.s. I use to play tons of sports (softball, volleyball, racquetball) 6 nights a week and the doc said that I also had some previously healed fractures - so maybe that's where they came from. I have had clicking and the occasional popping for the last year but nothing like what happened recently.
Hi,
What you really need to do is show your MRI scans and report to a TMJ specialist who can explain in detail the MRI findings.
Have you had any symptoms apart from the popping that one time? The MRI report seems to indicate you have had your problems for a while, especially the fragmentation of the disc, the effusion and the irregular contours of the condyle.
I would suggest you look up some diagrams on the internet and that will give you an idea of the anatomy of the TMJ and help you understand some of the jargon in the report.
Most importantly, you need to consult a specialist.
Best of luck,..
susu2007
01-15-2009, 06:02 PM
Maybe you sustained an injury while playing.
TMJ is quite unpredictable and it each individual is unique. It seems you have been asymptomatic. Maybe it is fortunate that you found out now before you started developing any serious symptoms.
I am sure the doctor will explain everything in detail to you in tomorrow.
Best of luck,..
TMJ is quite unpredictable and it each individual is unique. It seems you have been asymptomatic. Maybe it is fortunate that you found out now before you started developing any serious symptoms.
I am sure the doctor will explain everything in detail to you in tomorrow.
Best of luck,..
azwildcats70
01-15-2009, 08:48 PM
So, from doing some research on what these terms mean and how they are treated... it's not sounding too good. :(
The bit about meniscal disc appears fragmented with no distinct anterior or posterior visible.... sounds like the disc is gone or torn.... and the part about a remnant of posterior disc is seen detached within the mandibular fossa....
From my research... I think it's looking like surgery.... OH NO!
The bit about meniscal disc appears fragmented with no distinct anterior or posterior visible.... sounds like the disc is gone or torn.... and the part about a remnant of posterior disc is seen detached within the mandibular fossa....
From my research... I think it's looking like surgery.... OH NO!
StillHope
01-15-2009, 11:29 PM
There is surely a problem with your right disk. Let us know about the consult. If you will be suggeste a surgery get a second opinion first of all! Maybe a third too.
No disk is not always a problem, the body/jaw can get adapted to this; but according to the posts surgery can make things worse as well. It should really be the last option in the jaw treatment.
Good luck to you!
No disk is not always a problem, the body/jaw can get adapted to this; but according to the posts surgery can make things worse as well. It should really be the last option in the jaw treatment.
Good luck to you!
azwildcats70
01-16-2009, 09:27 AM
My appointment is at 2:30pm EST - so I will update the board with what the maxillofacial surgeon says.
There is surely a problem with your right disk. Let us know about the consult. If you will be suggeste a surgery get a second opinion first of all! Maybe a third too.
No disk is not always a problem, the body/jaw can get adapted to this; but according to the posts surgery can make things worse as well. It should really be the last option in the jaw treatment.
Good luck to you!
There is surely a problem with your right disk. Let us know about the consult. If you will be suggeste a surgery get a second opinion first of all! Maybe a third too.
No disk is not always a problem, the body/jaw can get adapted to this; but according to the posts surgery can make things worse as well. It should really be the last option in the jaw treatment.
Good luck to you!
luvtocamp
01-16-2009, 09:39 AM
Please keep us posted. I agree with Stillhope, don't rush into surgery-it is always the very very last resort. things they see on xrays and mri's always sound worst than what the problem may be, everyone usually has abnormal xrays and mris.
I have read that the body can heal a bad disc with scar tissue in time. apparently you had trauma from biting into that hard meat, maybe all you'll need is a splint, and I would surely try that before surgery.
good luck today. :angel:
I have read that the body can heal a bad disc with scar tissue in time. apparently you had trauma from biting into that hard meat, maybe all you'll need is a splint, and I would surely try that before surgery.
good luck today. :angel:
azwildcats70
01-16-2009, 09:44 AM
Well, guess we will wait and see. I remembered last night that when I went to the dentist last year, he mentioned that he saw multiple healed fractures.... all I know is, I can't chew and drinking my food has NOT been fun!
Please keep us posted. I agree with Stillhope, don't rush into surgery-it is always the very very last resort. things they see on xrays and mri's always sound worst than what the problem may be, everyone usually has abnormal xrays and mris.
I have read that the body can heal a bad disc with scar tissue in time. apparently you had trauma from biting into that hard meat, maybe all you'll need is a splint, and I would surely try that before surgery.
good luck today. :angel:
Please keep us posted. I agree with Stillhope, don't rush into surgery-it is always the very very last resort. things they see on xrays and mri's always sound worst than what the problem may be, everyone usually has abnormal xrays and mris.
I have read that the body can heal a bad disc with scar tissue in time. apparently you had trauma from biting into that hard meat, maybe all you'll need is a splint, and I would surely try that before surgery.
good luck today. :angel:
azwildcats70
01-16-2009, 04:33 PM
Back from the doctor's appointment, this is what he said...
He said that I broke my jaw. Broke the tip off the end of the bit that fits in the socket and then I shattered the cartilage. He said the reason I have virtually no pain is because I severed the nerve. He said that he is going prescribe a splint to be worn 24/7 and physical therapy for the next 6-8 weeks to prepare me for surgery. The splint will keep bits of the tip from breaking off and the physical therapy will build up the muscle and stretch the ligaments to prepare me for surgery. The surgery that I will have to have is a Modified Condylotomy.
When he was finished, I said... well, it's not as bad as I feared and not as good as I hoped... he said, I don't mean to scare you, but this is probably one of the worst I have seen. Until you get the splint, you need to be extra careful with what you eat and do because anymore damage and I'm probably going to have to joint replacement.
He said that I broke my jaw. Broke the tip off the end of the bit that fits in the socket and then I shattered the cartilage. He said the reason I have virtually no pain is because I severed the nerve. He said that he is going prescribe a splint to be worn 24/7 and physical therapy for the next 6-8 weeks to prepare me for surgery. The splint will keep bits of the tip from breaking off and the physical therapy will build up the muscle and stretch the ligaments to prepare me for surgery. The surgery that I will have to have is a Modified Condylotomy.
When he was finished, I said... well, it's not as bad as I feared and not as good as I hoped... he said, I don't mean to scare you, but this is probably one of the worst I have seen. Until you get the splint, you need to be extra careful with what you eat and do because anymore damage and I'm probably going to have to joint replacement.
luvtocamp
01-16-2009, 06:29 PM
I'm sorry to hear you'll need a surgery to fix this. How could you break your jaw from biting into something, or did he thing this was something thats been happening for awhile and a happening over time? How old are you may I ask, I mean you don't have osteoporsis like what we get as we age, and our bones become brittle and break easily.
Has he done many of these surgeries and what the outcome is ? Do you think you may get a second opinion or do you feel confident about his diagnosis:
I guess you should be very careful and maybe stay on a liquid diet, or use the blender, maybe take vitamins. Will the surgery be done in his office? or a hospital?
thinking of you , what a trying day you've had.:angel:
Has he done many of these surgeries and what the outcome is ? Do you think you may get a second opinion or do you feel confident about his diagnosis:
I guess you should be very careful and maybe stay on a liquid diet, or use the blender, maybe take vitamins. Will the surgery be done in his office? or a hospital?
thinking of you , what a trying day you've had.:angel:
azwildcats70
01-16-2009, 07:49 PM
Thank you very much for your sympathies.
I'm 38 years old. Doc thinks I have been having issues for some time wearing the cartilage thin... he said it was bound to happen...
I have researched the doctor and the hospitals where he has admitting privledges extensively. He has also written a number of case studies, been in the field for 27 years. He also went to an Ivy league med school and did his residency at Mount Sinai. So I feel pretty comfortable.
I'm sorry to hear you'll need a surgery to fix this. How could you break your jaw from biting into something, or did he thing this was something thats been happening for awhile and a happening over time? How old are you may I ask, I mean you don't have osteoporsis like what we get as we age, and our bones become brittle and break easily.
Has he done many of these surgeries and what the outcome is ? Do you think you may get a second opinion or do you feel confident about his diagnosis:
I guess you should be very careful and maybe stay on a liquid diet, or use the blender, maybe take vitamins. Will the surgery be done in his office? or a hospital?
thinking of you , what a trying day you've had.:angel:
I'm 38 years old. Doc thinks I have been having issues for some time wearing the cartilage thin... he said it was bound to happen...
I have researched the doctor and the hospitals where he has admitting privledges extensively. He has also written a number of case studies, been in the field for 27 years. He also went to an Ivy league med school and did his residency at Mount Sinai. So I feel pretty comfortable.
I'm sorry to hear you'll need a surgery to fix this. How could you break your jaw from biting into something, or did he thing this was something thats been happening for awhile and a happening over time? How old are you may I ask, I mean you don't have osteoporsis like what we get as we age, and our bones become brittle and break easily.
Has he done many of these surgeries and what the outcome is ? Do you think you may get a second opinion or do you feel confident about his diagnosis:
I guess you should be very careful and maybe stay on a liquid diet, or use the blender, maybe take vitamins. Will the surgery be done in his office? or a hospital?
thinking of you , what a trying day you've had.:angel:
luvtocamp
01-16-2009, 08:11 PM
Well thats good you feel very confident in your OS and he is highly trained- that is important. I read about the sx and it sounds like it is like arthoplasty and the incision will be through your mouth behind your molars -is that right.
I also though that maybe this had been happening for some time, years maybe and the tip of the iceberg was biting into that tough meat, which is a lesson to all of us, skip the tough meat, I been on occasion in the same predicament, eating stuff you can hardly cut with a knife just to be polite.
Well you are young and should heal find and sounds like your in excellant hands. Its good you found out now before doing any more damage.:)
I also though that maybe this had been happening for some time, years maybe and the tip of the iceberg was biting into that tough meat, which is a lesson to all of us, skip the tough meat, I been on occasion in the same predicament, eating stuff you can hardly cut with a knife just to be polite.
Well you are young and should heal find and sounds like your in excellant hands. Its good you found out now before doing any more damage.:)
azwildcats70
01-16-2009, 08:15 PM
Where did you find information about the surgery? I have been searching and can't find any specifics...
Well thats good you feel very confident in your OS and he is highly trained- that is important. I read about the sx and it sounds like it is like arthoplasty and the incision will be through your mouth behind your molars -is that right.
I also though that maybe this had been happening for some time, years maybe and the tip of the iceberg was biting into that tough meat, which is a lesson to all of us, skip the tough meat, I been on occasion in the same predicament, eating stuff you can hardly cut with a knife just to be polite.
Well you are young and should heal find and sounds like your in excellant hands. Its good you found out now before doing any more damage.:)
Well thats good you feel very confident in your OS and he is highly trained- that is important. I read about the sx and it sounds like it is like arthoplasty and the incision will be through your mouth behind your molars -is that right.
I also though that maybe this had been happening for some time, years maybe and the tip of the iceberg was biting into that tough meat, which is a lesson to all of us, skip the tough meat, I been on occasion in the same predicament, eating stuff you can hardly cut with a knife just to be polite.
Well you are young and should heal find and sounds like your in excellant hands. Its good you found out now before doing any more damage.:)