Accuracy of temporomandibular joint disc displacement diagnosis in panoramic radiography: Validation by magnetic resonance imaging

Authors

  • Bruno Figueiredo Matos Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Vale do Rio Verde, Três Corações, MG, Brazil
  • Julieta Petruceli França Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Vale do Rio Verde, Três Corações, MG, Brazil
  • Luciano José Pereira Federal University of Lavras
  • Bernardino Robinson de Senna Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Vale do Rio Verde, Três Corações, MG, Brazil
  • Leandro Silva Marques Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Vale do Rio Verde, Três Corações, MG, Brazil
  • Gustavo Hauber Gameiro Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
  • Paula Midori Castelo Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil

Keywords:

temporomandibular joint disorders, panoramic radiography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this report was to investigate if panoramic radiography would be a suitable tool in diagnosing temporomandibular joint disc displacement. Methods: The sample comprised 56 female patients divided into three groups: (1) Control (n=30); (2) disk displacement with reduction (n=17); and (3) disc displacement without reduction (n=9). All patients were evaluated based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD). Linear and angular measurements as well as proportion determinations were obtained from tracings of panoramic radiographs and they were compared with condyle and disc positioning obtained from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to find any predictive measurement correlated to disc displacement with or without reduction. Relationship to clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) were also evaluated. Results: The results revealed no significant differences between the three groups regarding the variables studied on the radiographs. Moreover, there were no significant correlations between the radiographic variables and clinical signs nor between the radiographic and MRIs variables (p>0.05). Conclusion: The use of panoramic radiography imaging exam for diagnostic predictions in clinical practice is not advisable.

Author Biography

Luciano José Pereira, Federal University of Lavras

Associate Professor - Physiology and Pharmacology Department

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Published

2012-10-29

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Original Article