Evaluation of body composition and bone mineral density in patients with and without idiopathic condylar resorption of temporomandibular disorders by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry

Abstract

Background/purpose: The impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osseous destruction on bone mineral density (BMD) remains unclear due to controversial findings. Besides, no previous study has explored the relationship between idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) and body composition. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ICR and BMD or body composition. Materials and methods: Between July 2018 and August 2022, patients evaluated by an experienced dentist and diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were referred to our center. They were recruited while they received the magnetic resonance image (MRI) examination, BMD and body composition completely. Patients were further categorized into TMDs with or without ICR groups according to MRI findings. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the variables of BMD and body composition in the two groups. Results: In total, 67 patients were included in the analysis, with 42 categorized as TMDs with ICR and 25 as TMDs without ICR. Patients with ICR had a significantly higher lean mass percentage and lower fat mass percentage; lower android/gynoid fat ratio, and visceral adipose tissue area than those without ICR (P < 0.05). Besides, patients above age 30 with ICR had lower Z scores (P = 0.017) compared with subjects without ICR. Conclusion: TMDs patients with ICR show a relationship with body composition and affect the lean and fat mass distribution, especially android/gynoid fat ratio. The pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. Further researches to investigate teeth binding, malocclusion and dietary habits are important to understand the association of ICR, BMD and body composition.

Keywords

• Body composition
• Bone mineral density
• Idiopathic condylar resorption
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Temporomandibular disorders