OBJECTIVETo assess the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography for detecting of anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWR) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

METHODSThirty-five participants with 40 TMJs which were initially diagnosed as ADDWR were included. All the participants got both high-resolution ultrasonography and MRI examination. The results of MRI in diagnosis of ADDWR were considered as gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predict value, negative predict value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were calculated.

RESULTSIn 40 TMJs, MRI revealed that there were 23 TMJs with ADDWR, and 17 disease-free. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predict value, negative predict value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of high-resolution ultrasonography were 82.6%, 94.1%, 92.5%, 0.95, 0.80, 14.04, 0.19, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe high-resolution ultrasonography has a relatively high diagnostic value in detecting ADDWR of TMJ.