MRI study of a physiotherapeutic protocol in anterior disk displacement without reduction

Disk displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) without reduction has been considered a fundamental pathophysiologic abnormality of the joint. In this paper there are supportive clinical and MRI evidence of a successful repetitive manipulative technique for the treatment of acute and chronic locking. In 1500 treated cases, documented on videotape, only five cases required surgical intervention. The success of the therapy was confirmed by 13 MRI images of the TMJ of patients with acute and chronic locking before and after therapy. In all cases the anteriorly dislocated disk in closing and opening position was recaptured and repositioned in a normal position in the temporomandibular fossa. Three complete cases are reported with complete clinical and MRI documentation.