Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint

Abstract

The spectrum of disease that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be varied. To differentiate among the diseases that cause pain and dysfunction, an intimate knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of this region is necessary. Due to the joint's complex anatomy and relationship to the skin, it has been difficult to image in the past. Magnetic resonance imaging is ideally suited for visualizing TMJ because of its superb contrast resolution when imaging soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging allows simultaneous bilateral visualization of both joints. The ability to noninvasively resolve anatomic detail can be performed easily and quickly using magnetic resonance imaging. The development of magnetic resonance imaging has greatly aided the diagnosis of TMJ disorders. An understanding of TMJ anatomy and pathogenesis of TMJ pain is crucial for interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent treatment.

False ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in a cat

“…Computed tomography imaging and MRI are commonly used to investigate problems of the temporomandibular joint in humans (13,14). Radiography is of limited use for diagnosis and examination of lesions in this joint since there are numerous superimpositions; assessment of lesions is therefore incomplete, lesions are not evaluated, and therefore not appropriately treated (1,15,16).…”

Optimizing MR signal contrast of the temporomandibular joint disk

“…Figure 1 shows the CNR efficiency C ffiffiffiffiffi TR p (normalized to 1) for various flip angles as a function of TR/T 1 using analytic derivatives of the signal equations (Eqs. [1,2]). Bloch equation simulation data (also normalized to 1) is shown as circles and agree well with the theoretical lines.…”

“…While the majority of synovial articulations are lined with hyaline cartilage, one prominent feature of the TMJ lies in the fact that fibrocartilage covers its articulating surfaces and comprises the disc itself (1). Its crucial role in mastication and speech production underline the importance of this joint, necessitating an understanding of its complex anatomy and familiarity with commonly encountered pathology (2). Currently, MR imaging is accepted as the most accurate means of noninvasive evaluation of the soft tissues of the joint (3)(4)(5)(6)(7).…”

Condylar Position Indicator and T-Scan system II in clinical evaluation of temporomandibular intracapsular disease

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has replaced other imaging methods for evaluation of soft-tissue abnormalities of the joint and surrounding region (Avrahami et al, 1986;Kircos et al, 1987;Weiss et al, 1988;Nakasato et al, 1991;Hayt et al, 2000).…”