Correlation of mandibular deviation with temporomandibular joint MR dimensions, MR disk position, and clinical symptoms.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the difference of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) between deviated and nondeviated sides of the mandible in adult patients with mandibular deviation.

Study Design: TMJ size, disk displacement, and clinical symptoms of 28 patients were examined clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twelve age- and sex-matched control subjects were also used to evaluate which side of the mandible in patients was similar to the control.

Results: The TMJ on the deviated side showed a smaller condyle and a higher incidence of disk displacement than the nondeviated side and those in the controls. However, the clinical symptoms showed no differences between the deviated and nondeviated sides, and no association with disk displacement.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the deviated side was the abnormal side and may have some association with mandibular deviation. However, the clinical symptoms could not indicate those differences.