PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for interpreting temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders including disc displacement. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between TMJ sounds and disc displacement with and without reduction by clinical examination and MRI. METHODS: A sample of 58 patients was clinically examined when after being referred to MRI due to signs and symptoms of unilateral or bilateral TMJ disc displacement. The diagnosis obtained using MRI was compared with the clinical findings for the presence or absence of articular sounds. RESULTS: Most patients (n=39; 67%) had joint sounds manifested as clicking; the other 19 patients (33%) did not present sounds. Among the 39 patients with sounds, bilateral clicking was observed in 29 (74%), and unilateral clicking in 10 (26%) patients. Unilateral clicking was equally observed on the right and left sides, each occurring in 5 five patients (13%). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that articular sounds do not occur exclusively in TMJ with disc displacement with reduction. The presence or absence of joint sounds will not suffice as the only aspect criterion to be considered in the differential diagnosis of disc displacement with and without reduction.
Temporomandibular joint; disc displacement; joint sounds; magnetic resonance imaging