Work

Association Between Joint Effusion and Degenerative Osseous Changes of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Joint effusion (JE) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a potential imaging marker of intra‐articular inflammation and degenerative involvement in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). However, its association with temporomandibular joint degenerative joint disease (TMJ‐DJD) remains unclear. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was performed from inception to May 2026. Observational studies assessing MRI‐detected JE and TMJ degenerative osseous changes in patients with TMDs were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results Eighteen studies involving 7001 TMJs were included in the systematic review, and 14 were included in the primary meta‐analysis, which showed a positive association between MRI‐detected JE and TMJ‐DJD (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.05–1.89; I 2 = 70.1%). A post hoc sensitivity analysis excluding Zheng et al. yielded an OR of 1.51 (95% CI: 1.16–1.97; I 2 = 63.4%). Marked effusion showed the strongest association with degenerative changes (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.54–4.51). Subtype analyses suggested positive associations with flattening (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.12–1.98) and osteophyte formation (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.26–2.05), whereas findings for erosion and atrophy were inconclusive. Conclusion The available evidence suggests that MRI‐detected JE is positively associated with TMJ degenerative osseous changes, particularly marked effusion, flattening, and osteophyte formation. JE may serve as an adjunctive imaging marker of degenerative joint involvement but should not be interpreted as a standalone indicator of TMJ‐DJD.

Source: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.1111/joor.70321

Authors: Jingyi Huang, Zhilin Wu, Lian Xi, Qingtiao Xie

Institution: Guangxi Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province