Transmission electron microscopic study of the surface layer of surgical resected disc specimens in human temporomandibular joint

In this study, we investigated specific and characteristic findings of the surface layer of surgical resected disc specimens in human temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis cases by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Specimens were surgically removed from the TMJ of 5 cases (4 female patients: 5 cases) clinically osteoarthritis. Following findings were observed by TEM. Images were photographed on a JEM1400-Flash Electron microscope (JEOL, Japan) equipped with an EM-14661FLASH high-sensitivity digital complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor camera. Following findings were observed by TEM. The surface is covered with plump fibroblastic and histiocytoid cells. Collagen fiber bundles and collagenous matrix are exposed onto the eroded disc surface. Fibrinous dense material is observed on the eroded disc surface. Bundles of collagen fibers are densely observed. Collagen bundles are rich around capillary vessels. Synovial surface cells reveal features of activated macrophages with vacuole formation. Especially, plump fibroblastic and histiocytoid cells, and activated macrophages with vacuole, which were significant findings of the surface layer. These findings might have a significant effect on the regulation of synovial fluid.