Evaluation of bone and disc configuration in TMJ internal derangement

Park, Cheol Woo; Hwang, Eui Hwan; Lee, Sang Rae

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate bone and disc configuration on MR images in internal derangement related to age.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MR images of 150 TMJs in 107 patients were analyzed to determine the morphologic changes. Two groups were distinguished to be correlated with age. Group 1 consisted of TMJs that were diagnosed as having anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR), and Group 2 consisted of TMJs that were diagnosed as having anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR). We assessed the configuration of the articular disc, degree of anterior disc displacement, and osseous changes of TMJs.
RESULTS
The third decade (83 of 150 joints) was most frequent in this study. In the ADDwR group biconcave discs was most frequent at all ages except fifth decade, but in the ADDwoR group deformed discs was most frequent at third and forth decades. In the ADDwR group slightly displaced discs was most frequent at all ages, but in the ADDwoR group severely displaced discs was most frequent at second decade, and the degree of disc displacement was increased with aging over 30 years of age. TM joints showed osseous changes in 17% of the ADDwR group, and in 30% of the ADDwoR group. MR findings of osseous changes of the TMJ were not found to be significantly correlated with age.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of deformation of disc, displacement of disc, and osseous changes of TMJ was higher in the ADDwoR group than in the ADDwR group. MR findings of disc configuration and degree of disc displacement were found to be correlated with age.