What does this mean?!?!?! - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

azwildcats70 · 01-15-2009, 02:29 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.

susu2007 · 01-15-2009, 02:44 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,..

azwildcats70 · 01-15-2009, 02:48 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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by susu2007

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, 03:02 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,..

azwildcats70 · 01-15-2009, 05:48 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!