The corticosteroids; antienflamatuar, immunosuppressive and antineoplastic activities, are used widely in the treatment of nonhormonal diseases and also have side effects.

TMJ has similar features with other diarthrodial joints. Pathologic conditions affecting the other joints may also affect TMJ. Osteoarthrosis is a multifactorial disease. It initially develops due to destruction of joint cartilage although it has not been known its etiology and when the pathological change has been occurred.

The aim of this experimental study is to evaluate the effects of systemic corticosteroids on the joints by comparing TMJ and hip joints.

The rats were divided into 2 groups comprising 16 rats (8 tests, 8 controls). Methylprednisolone (for test group) and % 0.9 of saline (for control group), (1 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally. The animals were sacrificed on 15th and 38th days, joints were removed.

After histological preparations, the samples were examined as General Topographic Scan (Light microscope), cytology (Light, electron microscope), matrix, collagen thread features and distribution.

Histological observations showed no significant morphological and cellular changes for test and control groups. Microscopic examinations have not revealed any morphologic alterations. These results may be due to the both administration period of the selected dose of systemic corticosteroids and absence of any degenerative factors.

Although related literature emphasize systemic corticosteroids could cause changes on the condylar component (thickness, connection and dispersion of collagen fibrils) of the joints; we can tell that while presence of predisposing factors exist, systemic corticosteroids may induce the chronic changes on the joints depending on dosage and periods.

Conflict of interest: None declared.