Clinico-radiological Correlation of MRI Findings in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Disc Perforation (TMJ Disc)

Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital

Status: Completed

Conditions: Bone Marrow; Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07298512

2025/48 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

To evaluate the presence of TMJ disc perforation on MRI and investigate its associations with internal disc derangements, disc configuration, condylar bone marrow signal patterns, joint effusion, and demographic or clinical variables such as age, sex, dental status, and pain severity.

Full description

This study will prospectively evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc perforation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a diverse adult population. The investigation will focus on identifying the prevalence of disc perforation and examining its relationship with key TMJ structural and functional parameters. Specifically, the study will assess internal disc derangements, variations in disc morphology, condylar bone marrow signal characteristics, and the presence of joint effusion. In addition, demographic and clinical factors-including age, sex, dental status, and pain severity-will be analyzed to determine their potential association with disc perforation.

MRI-based assessments will be performed using standardized imaging protocols, and all findings will be systematically recorded and evaluated. By integrating radiologic and clinical data, the study aims to improve the understanding of factors contributing to TMJ disc perforation and to support future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Enrollment: 282 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 14 to 79 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with available temporomandibular joint (TMJ) MRI scans (both open- and closed-mouth)
• Age ≥14 years
• Complete clinical records including Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores and dental status
• Willingness to participate in the study and provide informed consent (for prospective studies)

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of systemic disorders affecting bone metabolism, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic systemic corticosteroid therapy, Paget's disease, hypo- or hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia, or renal osteodystrophy
• History of medications that could alter bone architecture
• Current orthodontic treatment
• History of head and neck trauma or surgery
• Presence of head and neck cystic or tumoral pathology
• Prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy
• Pregnancy
• Presence of ferromagnetic objects in the head (contraindication to MRI)

Trial design

282 participants in 2 patient groups

Group 1: Disc Perforation Group

Description:

Participants who demonstrate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc perforation on MRI. This cohort will be used to evaluate imaging characteristics and clinical parameters associated with perforation.

Group 2: Non-Perforation Group

Description:

Participants without MRI evidence of TMJ disc perforation.