Purpose <p>To investigate the differences in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics between anterior disc displacement with reduction(ADDWR) and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by semi-quantitative analysis of the disc-condylar complex. Reliable imaging markers were selected to predict ADDWoR.</p> Methods <p>The risk factors of ADDWoR were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods, and the receiver operating curves(ROC) were plot to evaluate the diagnostic ability.</p> Results <p>There were statistically significant differences in disc shape, displacement degree, condylar shape, bone change, position and joint effusion between the two groups(p&lt;0.05). Univariate logistics showed that fold-curved articular disc, degree of ADD, condylar bone change, beak condyle, central condyle and effusion grades were all related factors in the diagnosis of ADDWoR. Multivariate logistic showed fold-curved articular disc, the degree of ADD and the grade of joint effusion were independent factors for the diagnosis of ADDWoR. The area under ROC curve for ADD-degree and joint effusion analysis for the prediction of ADDWoR was 0.909 and 0.745,respectively.</p> Conclusion <p>Based on semi-quantitative analysis of MRI signs of disc-condylar complex, it can effectively evaluate the influencing factors of ADDWoR and provide imaging reference for clinical disease prediction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) patients.</p>