The Correlations between Temporomandibular Joint Symptoms and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in German Patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the clinical symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and findings in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: Clinical data and MRI images were collected from a total of 240 German patients. Clinical symptoms were briefed as joint clicking, crepitus and pain. MRI findings were further defined according to the condyle position, condyle degeneration, disc positon, disc degeneration and the presence of osteophyte/sclerosis/synovitis. Hypermobility was separately recorded. Correlation analysis between parameters was performed. Result: Joint clicking had a positive correlation with unilateral disc degeneration, osteophyte, sclerosis and synovitis. Crepitus had a significant correlation with bilateral osteophyte. Pain was not correlated with any MRI findings except hypermobility. Conclusion: Selective correlations between the MRI findings and clinical symptoms were elucidated. The results of this study imply that condyle-disc deformities could be advanced without pain, and that joint clicking and crepitus could be clinical symptoms of condyle-disc degeneration.