Radiographic predictors for the absence of pain in disc displacement with and without reduction

Numerous studies have investigated the correlation between pain and radiographic features in magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and cone-beam computed tomography scans, but their results have been contradictory. However, there may be a lack of studies correlating the absence of pain with radiographic findings. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate this relationship. A total of 80 patients with disc displacement with reduction (DwR) and 80 patients with disc displacement without reduction (DwoR) were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent MRI and closed-mouth CBCT scans. The absence of pain was not correlated with sex, age, or joint effusion. In both groups, the absence of pain was associated with lengthened discs and flattened condyles. In the DwR group, pain was associated with both normal and sclerotic condyles and biconcave discs, whereas in the DwoR group, it was associated with normal condyles and contracted and irregular discs. The initiation of pain may require an interplay between the shape and position of the disc, and the shape of the condyle. Lengthened discs and flattened condyles were found to be associated with the absence of pain.