Flattening of the articular eminence correlates with progressive internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that flattening of the slope of the arti cular eminence occurs with progressive internal derangement (ID) of the TMJ . Methods: MR images of 170 TMJs in 130 patients with proven disk displacemen t were studied. The correlation between the prevalence of a flattened artic ular eminence and radiological stage of ID was analysed. Results: The prevalence of a flattened articular eminence was significantly higher in the joints with advanced ID (Mann-Whitney's U-test, P<0.05). Conclusions: It appears that a flattening of the slope of the articular emi nence occurs as a result of remodeling or degenerative changes secondary to ID.