Assessment of disc position in internal derangement of temporomandibular joint using ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool - a prospective study in north karnataka region

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Temporomandibular disorders are clinically manifested by orofacial pain, limited mouth opening, clicking and popping sounds of temporomandibular joint area, pain at the muscles of masticatory muscles and other surrounding structures. They can be broadly classified as muscular disorders, internal derangement, inflammatory diseases and osteoarthritis; internal derangement being the most important. The diagnosis of internal derangement is important and hence the suitable imaging modality is necessary to identify the disease. Currently many modalities such as CT scans, MRI, ultrasonography and arthroscopy have been used to identify the TMDs. MRI being the gold standard for TMJ imaging, has its own drawbacks as it is time consuming and expensive because of which many patients withdraw treatment midway. Hence, high resolution ultrasonography can be used a effective diagnostic tool to detect internal derangement as it is cost effective and less time consuming than MRI. Aim To assess the position of disc in internal derangement of temporomandibular joint using ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool and thereby give a co relation between clinical and ultrasonographic findings and provide an ultrasonographic classification of internal derangement of TMJ.