Correlation between clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in the treatment of anterior disc displacement.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the agreement of clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results before and after the treatment of nonreduction temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 22 patients, each with anterior disc displacement without reduction in at least one TMJ. Diagnosis was performed clinically and with MRI prior to treatment. All patients received the same treatment protocol, consisting of occlusal appliance therapy and exercise for a period of 24 weeks. By the end of treatment, clinical and imaging examinations were repeated and the results subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Before treatment, MRI and clinical examinations matched in 35 of 44 joints (79.5%). On the basis of the kappa index, the agreement between clinical and imaging examinations was moderate (mean kappa index = 0.59, P = .0001). After treatment, these examinations matched in only 16 of 44 cases (36%) and the agreement was poor.

CONCLUSION

Clinical criteria do not necessarily correlate with MRI findings in the postoperative period in patients treated for TMJ anterior disc displacement.