J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2026 Jul-Aug;16(4):101494. doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101494. Epub 2026 Jul 11.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex synovial joint commonly affected by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), with disc displacement being the most prevalent subtype. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for TMJ evaluation, offering superior soft tissue contrast and non-invasive assessment of disc position and morphology.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI in the preclinical detection of TMJ disc displacement, determine the prevalence of unilateral and bilateral displacement patterns and compare disc position and TMJ anatomical variables between normal and abnormal disc positions in the closed-mouth position.
METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 214 MRI scans of patients aged 13-70 years using high-quality sagittal closed-mouth TMJ sections. Disc thickness, Disc area and Articular eminence inclination (AEI) were assessed by a TMD-trained specialist. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied, with significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: After excluding poor-quality scans, 214 participants (428 TMJs; mean age 45.8 years; 61.2% male) were analyzed. Abnormal disc position was present in 61.7% of TMJs, mainly anterior displacement (57.5%) and was associated with increased disc thickness, reduced disc area and flatter AEI (p < 0.001). Symptomatic individuals exhibited thicker discs and reduced AEI (p < 0.05), with no gender differences. Abnormal disc position showed a significant association with TMJ symptoms (p = 0.049).
CONCLUSION: MRI can characterize TMJ disc position and morphology on closed-mouth sagittal sections and frequently identified anterior displacement even in asymptomatic individuals, highlighting its value in early and preclinical diagnosis.
PMID:42472270 | PMC:PMC13380457 | DOI:10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101494
