The natural course of nonreducing disk displacement of the temporomandibular joint: changes in condylar mobility and radiographic alterations at one-year follow up.

Changes in condylar mobility and radiographic changes were examined in 22 patients (26 joints) who had nonreducing disk displacement. The patients had no treatment for at least one year. Thirty joints in 15 persons with no current or previous temporomandibular joint symptoms served as a control. The clinical signs and symptoms tended to be less severe after one year. Condylar mobility increased significantly during this period, although it remained somewhat limited. There was no significant difference in frequency of radiographically discernible changes of the condyle between patients and controls and the patients showed minimal evidence of progressive disease.