The efficacy of anterior repositioning splint therapy studied by magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were obtained of 52 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 30 patients with TMJ disease, before insertion of an anterior repositioning splint. Ten TMJs showed a normal disc–condyle relationship. Pathological findings were partial or complete anterior disc displacement with disc reduction (n = 18), without (n = 7), or with partial reduction (n = 4) or non‐reducing joints combined with osteoarthrosis (n = 13). Associated clinical findings were joint clicking, painful TMJ movements with or without condyle limitation, deviation, or crepitus. The clinical evaluation when compared with the MRIs correlated in 75 per cent of cases.