Clinical and imaginological characterization of synovial chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Synovial Chondromatosis (SC) is a metaplastic rheumatologic condition that manifests itself in the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs). This causes common symptoms related to Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Differential diagnosis is obtained through clinical and imaging evaluation. Objective: To clarify, through a systematic review, the manifestations that characterize, differentiate and relate SC in the TMJ from the point of view of clinical and imaging diagnosis. Material and methods: The PubMed database and the keywords were used: Synovial Chondromatosis, Clinical Diagnosis, Imaging Tests, TMD Patient, Healthy Patients, Signs and Symptoms. Inclusion criteria were: five years, English language, title covering the keywords and clinical and original research in humans, literature reviews and case reports. As exclusion criteria: cases that did not deal with SC in the ATM, articles that do not match the objective of the work. The characteristiSC, differences and relationships between TMD and SC were the main variables analyzed. Results: Initially, 335 articles were found, after application of filters, inclusion criteria and evaluation of abstracts, nine were selected. Five relevant publications were added. The signs and symptoms common to the alterations: localized joint pain, edema, limitation of mouth opening and joint noises. Magnetic resonance images, computed tomography and TMJ radiographs were fundamental for the differential diagnosis and indicated the presence of intraarticular fibrocartilaginous bodies in the SC. Conclusion: It is necessary to interpret the imaging tests in order to establish the differential diagnosis between TMD and SC.