Patient symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging correlation in temporomandibular joint internal derangement

Background/aim: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangements consist of reduced and nonreduced disc dislocations and are often diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main symptom of these derangements is TMJ pain. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a correlation between TMJ pain and disc dislocation. Materials and methods: One hundred and four patients experiencing pain were evaluated retrospectively with the examination charts that we use routinely in our clinics and MRI. Patients were separated into two main groups as MRI(+) and MRI(-) groups according to their internal derangement findings in MRI. Mean VAS levels were compared between these two groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the MRI(+) and MRI(-) groups and no differences between the reduced disc dislocation group and nonreduced disc dislocation group. Conclusion: Although pain is maybe the most irritating symptom for TMJ patients, it cannot take the diagnostic place of MRI and MRI is still the gold standard method to make the exact diagnose of internal derangement.