The disc displacement is categorized based on the relation of the displaced disc with mandibular condyle.

The displacement can be anterior, anterolateral, anteromedial, lateral, medial and posterior.

The most common pattern of disc displacement are either anterior and anterolateral accounting for more than 80% of the causes.

The disc displacement can be subclassified as anterior displacement with reduction (ADR) or anterior displacement with no reduction (ADNR) based on restoration of a normal relationship between the condyle and the disc on mouth opening