[Disk displacement of the temporomandibular joint: correlation of magnetic resonance tomography and clinical findings].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in symptomatic patients with different degrees of internal derangement.


METHODS
We prospectively investigated 117 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of 59 symptomatic patients and 31 asymptomatic volunteers and correlated this with clinical parameters.


RESULTS
There was a positive correlation between the degree of internal derangement and deformity of the disc, maximal mouth opening, signal intensity of the posterior band, thickness of the bilaminar zone, proliferative bony changes, size of the condyle and reduced translation movement of the condyle, which in addition moved upward and backward. Patients most often complained of pain which was dependent on the degree of disc displacement and condylar changes. Clinical parameters were found to be inaccurate in predicting disc displacement.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint may be asymptomatic. Patients history may give the only pointer to the disorder.
Müller-Leisse
C
C
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, RWTH Aachen.
Augthun
M
M
Roth
A
A
Bauer
W
W
Günther
R W
RW
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000473:pathology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*