Two hundred five patients were prospectively examined for temporomandibular joint pain. Arthrograms were performed on 222 joints (188 unilateral and 17 bilateral). Pain in the ear occurred more frequently in arthrographically normal patients and in nonreducing meniscus patients compared with reducing meniscus patients. The location of pain in front of the ear, in the temples, or in the neck or the degree of pain intensity did not correlate to specific meniscal abnormalities. No correlation between the distribution and the character of headaches was observed. Pain characterization alone does not clinically separate meniscal abnormalities.
Arthrography Cartilage, Articular