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Purpose: This study aimed to compare the agreement of clinical examination
and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results before and after the treatment
of nonreduction temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement. Materials
and Methods: The study group consisted of 22 patients, each with anterior disc
displacement without reduction in at least one TMJ. Diagnosis was performed
clinically and with MRI prior to treatment. All patients received the same treatment
protocol, consisting of occlusal appliance therapy and exercise for a period
of 24 weeks. By the end of treatment, clinical and imaging examinations were
repeated and the results subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Before
treatment, MRI and clinical examinations matched in 35 of 44 joints (79.5%).
On the basis of the kappa index, the agreement between clinical and imaging
examinations was moderate (mean kappa index = 0.59, P = .0001). After
treatment, these examinations matched in only 16 of 44 cases (36%) and the
agreement was poor. Conclusion: Clinical criteria do not necessarily correlate
with MRI findings in the postoperative period in patients treated for TMJ anterior
disc displacement. Int J Prosthodont 2013;26:138–142. doi: 10.11607/ijp.2692
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