Ultrasonograpic Evaluation for the Normal Disk Position of the Temporomandibular Joint

Background Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders is consider one of the most popular problems hence, a proper examination for the disc position is required. The purpose of this study was to assess the normal values of temporomandibular joints disc position by ultrasonography. Material and method Out of the total 34 TMJs from Seventeenth patients (13) were females and (4) were males requested for ultrasonographic scanning longitudinally (parallel to the ramus of the mandible) and transversally (parallel to the zygomatic arch) in both the closed- and open-mouth positions measuring the lateral capsule-condyle (LCC) distance and anterior capsule-condyle (ACC) distance. Results for lateral capsule-condyle (LCC) distance the longitudinal scan with open mouth position mean distance was 1.479 (SD.495) compared to 1.359 (SD.503) in closed mouth position, while in transverse scan the mean distance (LCC) in open mouth position was 1.929 (SD.327) compared to 1.621 (SD.471) in closed mouth position. Conclusion ultrasonography is consider as an alternative imaging technique to monitor patients with TMJ disorders, particularly in assessing the normal values of (LCC) and (ACC) distances for temporomandibular joints disc position.