Objective

To explore the frequency and severity of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) and its causative factors in a skeletal assemblage from the prehistoric site of Chelechol ra Orrak, Palau, western Micronesia.

Materials

50 temporomandibular joint surfaces (mandibular condyles and articular eminences), representing a minimum of 22 adult individuals, 17 of which retain teeth.

Methods

Joint surfaces were macroscopically evaluated for characteristics associated with TMJ-OA and joint morphology. Dental remains were scored for tooth wear and staining.

Results

Nine individuals (40.1 %) displayed lesions typical of TMJ-OA. The strongest associations were between tooth wear and TMJ-OA.

Conclusions

Indirect effects of parafunctional dental activity appear to be a factor in TMJ-OA frequency at Chelechol ra Orrak. While betel nut chewing may be one of those activities, it does not appear to be solely driving the presence of TMJ-OA.

Significance

This study highlights the association between a specific parafunctional use of the temporomandibular joint and the potential pathological consequences. It also reinforces the need to carefully evaluate the archaeological context of skeletal remains in order to evaluate specific etiological factors in the presence of TMJ-OA in present and past populations.

Limitations

Sample sizes are limited in this study. This will increase as excavations continue.

Suggestions for Further Research

Because dental occlusion appears to be associated with TMJ-OA, focus on dental conditions affecting occlusal patterns, such as third molar agenesis, antemortem tooth loss, and malocclusion, and their relationship to TMJ-OA frequency, are recommended.

中文翻译：

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帕劳Chelechol ra Orrak的颞下颌关节骨关节炎

目的

在密克罗尼西亚西部帕劳的Chelechol ra Orrak史前遗址的骨骼集合中探讨颞下颌关节骨关节炎（TMJ-OA）的频率，严重程度及其成因。

用料

50个颞下颌关节面（下颌con突和关节突），至少代表22个成年个体，其中17个保留牙齿。

方法

宏观评估关节表面与TMJ-OA和关节形态相关的特征。对牙齿残余物的牙齿磨损和染色进行评分。

结果

九个人（40.1％）表现出TMJ-OA典型的病变。最强烈的关联是牙齿磨损与TMJ-OA之间。

结论

副功能性牙科活动的间接影响似乎是Chelechol ra Orrak的TMJ-OA频率的一个因素。虽然槟榔的咀嚼可能是这些活动之一，但它似乎并不仅仅是导致TMJ-OA出现的原因。

意义

这项研究强调了颞下颌关节的特定超功能性使用与潜在病理后果之间的关联。它还强调需要仔细评估骨骼遗骸的考古背景，以便评估当前和过去人群中存在TMJ-OA时的特定病因。

局限性

样本量在这项研究中受到限制。随着挖掘工作的继续，这将会增加。

进一步研究的建议

由于牙齿咬合似乎与TMJ-OA有关，因此建议重点关注影响咬合模式的牙齿状况，例如第三磨牙发育不全，前牙缺失和咬合不正以及它们与TMJ-OA频率的关系。