What is the impact of aging on the condyles?

The condyles, which are the rounded ends of the mandible that articulate with the temporal bone of the skull to form the temporomandibular joint, undergo various changes as a person ages. One significant impact of aging is that the condyles tend to flatten and erode.

As individuals get older, the cartilage that covers the condyles can deteriorate, leading to changes in joint mechanics. This can result in increased stress on the bone, contributing to flattening and potential erosion of the condylar surfaces. These alterations can affect the overall function of the temporomandibular joint, leading to discomfort, reduced range of motion, and increased susceptibility to conditions such as osteoarthritis.

In contrast, other choices like growing larger and stronger or remaining unchanged do not accurately reflect the typical aging process in the condyles. The notion that condyles become more elastic also does not align with the biological changes that occur with aging, as the condylar bone tends to lose density and resilience over time rather than becoming more elastic. Thus, the erosion and flattening of the condyles represent a common and well-documented age-related change in the temporomandibular joint.