Clinical and arthrographic evaluation of temporomandibular joint sounds

Two hundred five patients were examined for temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction. Arthrograms were performed on 222 joints (188 unilateral and 17 bilateral). Patients with joint sounds suspected of being caused by meniscus displacement with reduction were evaluated. Seventy-two patients (38%), were suspected of "clicking" (a reducing meniscus), but only 53 had arthrographic findings of a reducing meniscus. Further evaluation of this patient group revealed that only 41 probably could be candidates for a protrusive splint. This represents only 57% (41 of 72) of patients with "clicking" who may be candidates for protrusive splint treatment.