title: A classification of temporomandibular joint disk morphology.
abstract: Disk morphology has been recognized as an important feature of internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint and as a suspect in functional impediments. A classification of disk shapes was devised by means of corrected lateral cephalometric arthrotomograms and histopathologic sagittal sections. Five basic shapes were identified: bow tie (normal), straight, funnel, bulge, and Y. Statistical analyses were performed. The normal condyle-disk-fossa relationship and slight-to-moderate disk displacement occurred with disk shape 1 (bow tie). Severe disk displacement without reduction occurred predominantly with disk shape 4 (bulge). Beaking of dye in the anterior recess of the inferior joint space was an indicator of abnormal disk morphology and displacement.
authors.affiliation: University of Illinois, Chicago.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Heffez
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D002508:Cephalometry; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000473:pathology; D011897:Random Allocation; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000473:pathology