Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, frequency, and clinical significance of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) medial and lateral disk positions, observed in the coronal–oblique plane, to determine their importance in clinical diagnosis and for routine imaging. Study Design: This cross-sectional study involved secondary data analysis (clinical and imaging) of 401 participants of the TMJ Impact Study. We used the χ2 statistic to evaluate the associations between coronal disk positions with (1) anterior disk displacements with reduction and without reduction; and (2) familiar TMJ pain resulting from excursive movements and palpation, range of motion, and joint sounds. Results: Anterior disk displacements of any type occurred in 67.5% of joints; in contrast, medial and lateral disk positions occurred in 16% and 24% of joints, respectively. Radiologist reliability was as follows: sagittal posterior band position: right κ = 0.68, left κ = 0.60, average 84% agreement; and medial or lateral disk position: right κ = 0.36, left κ = 0.32, average 70% agreement. Medial and lateral disk positions were associated with sagittal displacements (P < .001). However, there were no associations between medial and lateral disk positions and familiar pain, range of motion, and joint sounds. Conclusions: Coronal disk position does not contribute to clinical symptomatology or findings and currently lacks sufficient evidence to support its inclusion into standard TMJ imaging protocols or into a clinical diagnostic category.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 161-168 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology |
Volume | 130 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This study was supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health (grant No. U01 DE019784). The funding source did not have a role in study design; collection, analysis, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit this specific project for publication. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020