Common finding on examination for DDwoR?

Common finding on examination for DDwoR?

• A. Intermittent joint noises during opening
• B. Normal MMO
• C. Limited mouth opening with deflection toward the affected side on opening
• D. Pain in TMJ with no opening limitation

Answer: (C)

In disc displacement without reduction, the disc sits anteriorly and does not recapture during opening. This blocks the forward sliding of the condyle, so the mouth opening becomes limited. Because one side’s condyle is hindered by the displaced disc, the jaw deviates toward the affected side as you try to open. That combination—restricted range of motion plus deflection toward the involved side—is the hallmark finding on examination. Intermittent joint noises during opening point to disc displacement with reduction, where the disc returns to its normal position during movement and a click or pop is often heard. Normal maximum opening can occur in some cases, especially early DDwR or intermittent presentations, but DDwoR characteristically shows limited opening. Pain with no opening limitation can occur in various TMJ issues, but it does not define DDwoR, which centers on the movement limitation with deflection toward the affected side.

In disc displacement without reduction, the disc sits anteriorly and does not recapture during opening. This blocks the forward sliding of the condyle, so the mouth opening becomes limited. Because one side’s condyle is hindered by the displaced disc, the jaw deviates toward the affected side as you try to open. That combination—restricted range of motion plus deflection toward the involved side—is the hallmark finding on examination.

Intermittent joint noises during opening point to disc displacement with reduction, where the disc returns to its normal position during movement and a click or pop is often heard. Normal maximum opening can occur in some cases, especially early DDwR or intermittent presentations, but DDwoR characteristically shows limited opening. Pain with no opening limitation can occur in various TMJ issues, but it does not define DDwoR, which centers on the movement limitation with deflection toward the affected side.