Diagnostic accuracy of sagittal condylar movement patterns for identifying internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

The aim of this study was to compare sagittal condylar movement patterns (SCMP, Axiograph) and high-field (1.5 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the temporomandibular disorders. One hundred forty-one patients with TMD signs and/or symptoms were selected for this study. SCMP was categorized into six patterns: normal, figure-eight (early/intermediate/late), limited, and other irregularities. The MRI findings of TMJ internal derangement were defined as one of five stages according to Wilkes criteria and then compared to the SCMP findings. Among normal SCMP, MRI revealed disc displacement in 27%. Sixty-three percent of figure-eight SCMP were regarded as stage I or II with reducible disc displacement. The sensitivity and specificity of SCMP for detecting TMJ internal derangement were 0.79 and 0.62, respectively. The point of deflection in figure-eight SCMP and the degree of disc displacement were not significantly related. However, a significant relationship was observed between the point of deflection in figure-eight SCMP and any type of disc deformation (chi-square = 9.80, P = .002). Thus, SCMP is not yet accurate enough for diagnosing a TMJ condition, especially in the case of chronic and/or adaptive internal derangement.