Relationship Between Temporomandibular Joint Effusion, Pain, and Jaw Function Limitation: A 2D and 3D Comparative Study

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) effusion and TMJ pain, as well as jaw function limitation in patients via two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation.<br /> Patients and Methods: 121 patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were included. TMJ effusion was assessed qualitatively using MRI and quantified with 3D Slicer software, then graded accordingly. In addition, a visual analogue scale (VAS) was employed for pain reporting and an 8-item Jaw Functional Limitations Scale (JFLS-8) was utilized to evaluate jaw function limitation. Statistical analyses were performed appropriately for group comparisons and association determination. A probability of p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.<br /> Results: 2D qualitative and 3D quantitative strategies were in high agreement for TMJ effusion grades (kappa = 0.766). No significant associations were found between joint effusion and TMJ pain, nor with disc displacement and JLFS-8 scores. Moreover, the binary logistic regression analysis showed significant association between sex and the presence of TMJ effusion, exhibiting an Odds Ratio of 5.168 for females (p = 0.008).<br /> Conclusion: 2D qualitative evaluation was as effective as 3D quantitative assessment for TMJ effusion diagnosis. No significant associations were found between TMJ effusion and TMJ pain, disc displacement or jaw function limitation. However, it was suggested that female patients suffering from TMD may be at a risk for TMJ effusion. Further prospective research is needed for validation.