Abstract
Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are a pair of synovial joints on both side of head, which helps in movement of mandible resulting in speech, facial expression & mastication. Internal derangements of TMJ are the common causes of non-traumatic pain around TMJ. There are few studies concerning this finding and MRI evaluation of TMJ in establishing the diagnosis. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship of internal disc displacement and pattern of disc displacement with the painful TMJ using MR Imaging of painful TMJ. RESULTS: We imaged 30 TMJ of 15 patients with unilateral TMJ pain and the symptomatic TMJ was compared with asymptomatic TMJ. The position of disc was noted for both painful & asymptomatic side. DISCUSSION: In our study we imaged 30 TMJs using MRI. For all the 15 study participants, the painful TMJ was compared with contralateral asymptomatic joint We found that anterior, anteromedial & anterolateral disc diaplcements were associated with TMJ symptoms, however the superior displacement was found to be asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: The anterior, anterolateral and anteromedial displacement of disc of TMJ is commonly associated with TMJ pain. However the superior displacement was asymptomatic. MRI is very useful in evaluating painful TMJ by assessing the disc displacement and associated findings. However the long-term association and remission of symptoms of disc displacement needs further evaluation.