Comparison of symptoms, signs, gender, and magnetic resonance images of temporomandibular joint disorder patients

Abstract

Objective To compare patients' complaints, clinician's examination findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings by considering gender. Methods Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, difficulty in mouth opening, masseter tenderness, deviation, clicking sound, bruxism, restriction, normal occlusion and normal mouth opening symptoms, and findings of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients who came to the author's outpatient clinic were recorded. These recordings were compared with MRI. Results In the study, symptoms, signs, and MRIs of 276 TMD patients were analyzed, including gender. No difference was observed in terms of symptoms, signs, or MRI results for either gender. MRI findings were correlated with restriction and normal mouth opening in both groups (p < 0.05). Normal MRI findings were observed in 52.5% of the MRI results. Conclusion Except for normal mouth opening and limitation, MRI findings did not provide a significant result. Therefore, careful detection of symptoms and signs rather than MRI helps in diagnosis.