Prevalence of chondrocalcinosis in the temporomandibular joint in patients with chondrocalcinosis of the knee or wrist

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of TMJ chondrocalcinosis on head CT scans in patients with chondrocalcinosis of the knee or wrist.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: 227 patients with radiological evidence of calcifications on knee or wrist radiographs had a head CT scan obtained for unrelated purposes. CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of temporomandibular crystal deposition. Prevalence, bilaterality, age and gender distribution were determined.

RESULTS: 41 of 227 (18%) of patients had TMJ chondrocalcinosis. TMJ chondrocalcinosis was more common in females (17%) than males (1%). It was more commonly unilateral (68%) than bilateral (32%).

CONCLUSION: In patients with peripheral calcific disease, the TMJ is more commonly involved than previously reported and this is more common in females compared to males.