Resorption of the lateral pole of the mandibular condyle in temporomandibular disc displacement

OBJECTIVES: To assess the possible relationship between resorption of the superolateral pole of the mandible condyle (RSLC) and TMJ disk displacement. METHODS: Two hundred and seventeen TMJs in 138 patients were studied. Displacement of the disc, degree of displacement and disc configuration were assessed using MRI. RSLC was assessed from a transorbital radiograph. RESULTS: Seventy-two joints (37%) were considered to have RSLC. A significantly higher prevalence of RSLC was found in joints with disc displacement (goodness test of fit for chi-square, P<0.05). A significantly higher prevalence of RSLC was found in joints with advanced disc displacement and advanced disk deformation (Mann-Whitney U-test, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: RSLC appears more likely to occur in joints with advanced disc displacement.