Evaluation of temporomandibular joint internal derangement using ultrasonographic imaging method

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the success of the ultrasound imaging method that has recently became popular in the field of dentistry, for the recognition of temporomandibular joint internal derangement. Material and Method: For this purpose; Ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging has been taken for both joints of 55 patients with temporomandibular joint complaints who were admitted to Atatürk University Faculty of Dentistry and pre-diagnosed with temporomandibular joint irregularity. Accepting magnetic resonance imaging as the gold standard, we assessed diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography. Results: Accepting magnetic resonance imaging as the gold standard; when comparing ultrasonography and magnetic resonance results, the sensitivity of ultrasonography to determine disk displacements was 0.83, specificity was 0.78, and diagnostic accuracy was 0.81. The sensitivity of ultrasonography to determine temporomandibular joint disk position at closed mouth position was 0.83, the specificity was 0.81 and the diagnostic accuracy was found to be 0.81. In open mouth position, the sensitivity was 0.73, specificity was 0.95 and the diagnostic accuracy was 0.93. Conclusion: We believe that ultrasonography, which is non-invasive, reproducible and provides dynamic images, is a successful imaging modality for assessing temporomandibular joint disc displacements. Key words: Temporomandibular joint, Ultrasonographic imaging, Magnetic resonance imaging, Disc displacement with reduction, Disc displacement without reduction.