MRI changes and clinical characteristics in temporomandibular joints with displacement of the articular disk without reduction – a cross-sectional observational study

Objectives This study examined changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) with anterior displacement disk without reduction (DDwoR) and its correlation to clinical symptoms.Methods 190 individuals with DDwoR were evaluated according to Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and MRI. Pain’s chronicity/intensity and limited mouth opening (locking) were correlated with: TMJ degeneration (MRI T1), effusion (T2), disc’s shape and position (proton density).Results In 103 TMJ with DDwoR, hemiconvex shape (41.6%), sclerosis (45.6%) and mild effusion (47.6%) were the most prevalent findings. There was not association (p > .05) between: different DDwoR positions with pain’s intensity/chronicity; effusion with locking. Disk deformation was associated with degeneration (p = .034) and pain’s intensity (p = .006). Locking was associated with degeneration (p = .05).Conclusions Condylar osteodegeneration is often related to DDwoR. Locking by DDwoR is associated with severe levels of chronic pain and articular disk deformation.