Assessment of disk displacements of the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to evaluate disk displacements (DDs) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) among patients referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and analyze the type and prevalence of DD, gender, age, side distribution, reciprocal clicking, presence of pain, range of mouth opening movement, and dental condition. The sample comprised 113 patients, 12-78 years old (the age average was 36.4 ± 13.5 years), 92 females and 21 males, who underwent MRI between July 2001 and December 2002. A Signa Horizon system (GE) MRI scanner was used at a magnetic field magnitude of 1.5 T with a bilateral radiofrequency surface coil (6.5 x 6.5 cm). Twenty-three (20.4%) patients were found to be normal, whereas 90 (79.7%) presented with DD. Anterior DD (61.1%) was the most common type of articular disk displacement. Males and females were equally affected (no statistically significant difference). We did not find a statistically significant association between DD and increased age. Bilateral DD (70%) was the most common DD occurrence. We found a statistically significant association between reciprocal clicking and anterior DD with reduction. We did not find a statistically significant association between DD and pain, be it articular or facial pain, otalgia or cephalgia. We found a statistically significant association between anterior DD without reduction and mouth opening limitation. With regard to oral condition, we did not find a statistically significant association between DD and loss of teeth.