Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders with a Report of Two Cases

Magnetic resonance imaging for the temporomandibular joint has moved from an experimental stage to a routine procedure at some institutions. The use of this technique for evaluation of the joint will increase as more institutions acquire this new diagnostic device. Magnetic resonance imaging has some unique properties that provide data unavailable by conventional imaging methods. An improved technique of magnetic resonance imaging is the use of the surface coil which greatly increases the detail and diagnostic accuracy. In addition to the surface coil, we have used a number of pulse sequences to better characterize the tissues.Two cases of the use of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of temporomandibular joint disorders are described in this paper. Surgical confirmation, arthrographic, and tomographic findings were available. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to image the interarticular disk and surrounding joint structures, and to provide pathophysiologic information on the tissues.