Prevalence of TMJ disc displacement in a pre-orthodontic adolescent sample

This study evaluated the prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement in preorthodontic adolescents (75 boys, 119 girls) by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One hundred thirty-eight consecutive subjects were recruited regardless of TMJ signs or symptoms, whereas 56 other subjects were referred with associated signs or symptoms. Quantitative measurements of disc displacement and disc length were used to classify the degree of internal derangement into 6 categories on the basis of sagittal MRI slices of the joints. In addition, sideways disc displacement was determined from coronal MRI images of the joint. Unilateral and bilateral normal disc position was more prevalent in boys compared to girls. All forms of anterior and rotational disc displacement were more prevalent in the female sample than in the male. Sideways displacement was more prevalent in girls than boys and occurred more frequently in a lateral rather than a medial direction. This study supports previous studies in suggesting that disc displacements occur frequently in preorthodontic adolescents.