The objective of the study is to evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders in young Saudi patients in Southern Aseer Region of the province and to find out the diagnostic efficacy of conventional radiography as basic diagnostic tool.

A random sample of 200 patient radiographic data was collected in which 60 radiographs showing osseous changes are taken as study group. The patients in this study group are then recalled for clinical correlation of the radiographic findings along with the assessment of clinical signs and symptoms, sticking on to the research diagnostic criteria.

There was no statistical difference in age groups and gender of the population and 14 patients (21.87%) showed clinical symptoms like clicking and pain in the preauricular region, correlating to the radiographic findings. mostly young female patients reported to have TMJ related symptoms (29.68%) whose radiographic findings correlate with that of clinical symptoms.

According to our knowledge, highest prevalence rate of TMDs is found in young Saudi females and is around 43% and 35% in young Saudi males. The sensitivity of conventional radiographs in diagnosing TMDs is 78.12% and specificity is 21.8%.

Kaleem SM, Sheik A, Ajmal M, Hameed MS, Luqman M. Conventional Radiographic Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Young Saudi Patients: A Retrospective and Prospective Radiographic Study. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2013;2(2):76-81.