# Exploring the relationship between clinical symptoms and MRI findings in temporomandibular joint disorders: a preliminary study

## TL;DR

This study explores how MRI findings in jaw joint disorders relate to symptoms like pain and joint sounds in patients.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific MRI findings linked to clinical symptoms in temporomandibular joint disorders.

## Key findings

- Disc displacement is significantly associated with joint pain and sounds.
- Condylar degeneration is common but has limited clinical impact except for reducing joint sounds.
- Disc deformity is strongly correlated with condylar degeneration and joint effusion.

## Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (such as condylar degeneration, disc
displacement, joint effusion and disc deformity) and clinical symptoms in
patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). Methods: A total of 54 patients (108 temporomandibular joints (TMJs)) were included.
Clinical evaluations assessed joint pain, joint sounds, mouth opening
limitations, deviation/deflection and locking. MRI scans were analyzed for
condylar degeneration, disc displacement (disc displacement with reduction (DDWR)
or disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR)), joint effusion, and disc
morphology. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests/Fisher’s exact tests
for categorical variables. A p value < 0.05 was considered to be
statistically significant. Results: DDWR and DDWOR were
significantly associated with joint pain (p = 0.044) and sounds
(p = 0.032). Joint effusion demonstrated no clear correlation with
clinical symptoms. Condylar degeneration was frequently observed but had limited
clinical impact, except for a reduction in joint sounds (p = 0.03).
Moreover, disc deformity was significantly correlated with condylar degeneration
and joint effusion (p < 0.001). Conclusions: MRI findings
provide valuable insights into the structural changes observed in TMDs. Although
disc displacement is strongly linked to pain and joint sounds, condylar
degeneration and effusion exhibit more complex relationships with clinical
symptoms.