Imaging of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Complicated anatomical configuration of the temporomandibular joint was the reason for developing standardized radiographic techniques which would provide accurate anatomical images. Tomography provides excellent bony details but no in formation of the soft tissue component of the joint. This technique is useful in demonstrating suspected hypoplasia, hypertrophy or malformation of the condyles, in the case of maxillofacial trauma with fracture description, infections and tumors. Artrography is performed to determine the status of the condyle-disk-glenoid fossa and eminence relationship with rxegard to the closed and open mouth position. Computerized tomography (CT) is superior to conventional radiograšhy and conventional tomography for evaluating internal derangements of temporomandibular joint, trauma, degenerative processes and tumors. CT demonstrated good evaluation of soft tissue and excellent evaluation of bony structures. Magnetic resonance (MR) has shown exquisite soft tissue contrast and provides a view of the structures of temporomandibular joint which cannot be differentiated by conventional radiography, conventional tomography and computerized tomography. MR of temporomandibular joint can distinguish internal anatomical features of the joint to a degree that no other imaging procedure can match. An image of the articular disk without contrast media as well an image of the posterior band has made the magnetic resonance the golden standard of temporomandibular joint imaging.