Assessment of MRI findings and clinical symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

Objectives:To investigate the correlations among various temporomandibular joint (TMJ) findings on MRI and the relationships between MRI findings and symptoms.Methods:425 patients (850 TMJs) with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) who underwent MRI were enrolled. Oblique sagittal proton density-weighted and T2 weighted images in open- and closed-mouth positions were evaluated. MRI findings included disc configuration, disc position, condylar morphology, bone marrow pattern, and joint effusion. Symptoms included TMJ pain, TMJ noise, and limitation of mouth opening. For statistical analyses, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and logistic regression analysis were applied.Results:Folded disc, disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR), and osteophytes had significant negative correlations with other normal MRI findings (p < 0.01). DDWOR and marrow edema were associated with TMJ pain. Conversely, osteophytes [odds ratio (OR): 0.52; 95% CI (0.30–0.90)] and combination-type condylar degeneration [OR...