Which statement about crepitus in TMD is correct?

Which statement about crepitus in TMD is correct?

• A. Crepitus is never seen in healthy individuals.
• B. ~50%
• C. Crepitus is only seen in inflammatory conditions.
• D. Crepitus indicates acute fracture.

Answer: (B)

Crepitus in the jaw joint isn’t a definitive sign of disease. It reflects roughness or grinding that can occur as the articular surfaces move, and in the TMJ this can arise from disc movement, wear, or normal variation. In fact, about half of asymptomatic individuals can exhibit crepitus during jaw movement, so its presence does not by itself indicate pathology. In patients with TMD, crepitus may be associated with degenerative changes or disc–condyle interactions, but it isn’t specific enough to diagnose a condition on its own. The other statements are too absolute or misleading: crepitus can be seen in healthy joints, it isn’t limited to inflammatory conditions, and it doesn’t specifically indicate an acute fracture.

Crepitus in the jaw joint isn’t a definitive sign of disease. It reflects roughness or grinding that can occur as the articular surfaces move, and in the TMJ this can arise from disc movement, wear, or normal variation. In fact, about half of asymptomatic individuals can exhibit crepitus during jaw movement, so its presence does not by itself indicate pathology. In patients with TMD, crepitus may be associated with degenerative changes or disc–condyle interactions, but it isn’t specific enough to diagnose a condition on its own. The other statements are too absolute or misleading: crepitus can be seen in healthy joints, it isn’t limited to inflammatory conditions, and it doesn’t specifically indicate an acute fracture.