Correlation of Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics in Patients with Arthrogenous Temporomandibular Disorders.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate Radiographs from OPG, CBCT and MRI for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD) and test for correlations with the signs and symptoms. Methods: 31 patients (62 TMJs) were included with TMJ complaints. OPG, CBCT and MRI of both the TMJ’s of each patient were taken. Associations between signs and symptoms of TMJD and the radiological findings were sought. Statistical tests were Fischer’s exact test and the Chi-square test. (a = 0.05) Results: No statistically significant association was found between OPG images and any of the clinical signs and symptoms (p > 0.05). Six of nine clinical signs & symptoms were significantly associated with CBCT interpretations (p < 0.05). Seven of nine were significantly associated with the MRI interpretations (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Correlations were found between TMJD signs and symptoms and CBCT & MRI interpretations. TMJ images allow increased understanding of the patient symptoms.