Observation of bilaminar zone in magnetic resonance images of temporomandibular joint

Purpose: To observe the relationship of bilaminar zone of temporomandibular joint retrodiscal tissues to the disc condition. Materials and Methods : The upper and lower stratum of bilaminar zone were identified on magnetic resonance open mouth images of 148 joints from 74 patients with disc displacements. Results: Both strata were identifiable in 105 joints which had disc displacement with reduction. Lower stratum was not identifiable in 35 joints which had disc displacement without reduction but 12 of 35 had hyalinized posterior attachment where the disc was. The 8 joints which had partial disc displacement without reduction showed identifiable lower stratum at the reducing site which was medial. Conclusion: Disruption or no identification of lower stratum which corresponds to the condylar portion of posterior attachment may be the sign of disc displacement without reduction.