Microscopic changes in the retrodiscal tissues of painful temporomandibular joints.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and histological changes in TMJs with disc displacement.
Method: Samples from capsules and posterior disc attachments from 27 TMJ pain patients who underwent surgery were compared with samples from seven asymptomatic persons.
Results: On logistic regression analysis, retrodiscal tissues from the painful joints demonstrated a significantly higher density of fibroblasts, presence of narrowed and obliterated arterial lumens, and a significantly lower distribution of elastic fibers.
Conclusion: The results indicate that there is a difference between painful and asymptomatic joints at the microscopic level.