Correlation between disk morphology on MRI and time curves using electronic axiography

This retrospective series was intended to determine whether morphological disk findings in open and closed mouth magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be correlated with the time curves in axiography. In this series, 45 temporomandibular joints of 33 patients were subjected to a retrospective evaluation. Magnetic resonance images obtained with closed and open mouth and joint movements assessed by electronic axiography were analyzed. Disk morphology in MRI was classified as normal, partly flattened, partly thickened, or completely thickened. For the axiographic tracings, time curves of the free movements of the respective joint were developed and evaluated. Data obtained were analyzed for any potential correlation using scatter plots and discriminance analysis. No correlation between these data was found suggesting that the axiographic time curves do not provide for any conclusions with regard to disk morphology. Apart from patient history and a thorough clinical evaluation, recording of jaw movements, but also using MRI continues to be of particular value in the diagnostic assessment of anterior disk displacement.