Correlation between joint effusion and morphology of the articular disc within the temporomandibular joint as viewed in the sagittal plane in patients with chronic disc displacement with reduction: A retrospective analytical study from magnetic resonance imaging

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the presence of joint effusion and morphology of the articular disc (AD) viewed in the sagittal plane in patients with disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and to correlate the results with clinical findings.

Methods: The sample consisted of 116 patients with DDWR who were evaluated clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging. The AD’s morphology was assessed from the sagittal view with the mouth both open and closed. The statistical analysis demonstrated a significance level of 5%.

Results: With a mean age of 35 years, 79 patients (68.10%) showed joint effusion, and the female gender was most prevalent (p < 0.05). The results showed a relationship between joint effusion and DDWR in both sides (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Clinically, the present study can infer that DDWR is associated with joint effusion, and females are the most affected. It can be suggested that the pain may be associated with joint effusion.

KEYWORDS:

• Temporomandibular joint
• effusion
• temporomandibular joint disorders
• magnetic resonance imaging
• articular disc

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Geolocation information

The present study was carried out in southern Brazil.