Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and disability for patients and imposes a high financial burden on the healthcare system. The most common cause of TMD is internal derangement, mainly secondary to articular disc displacement. Multiple other pathologies such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, and neoplasm can mimic internal derangement. MRI is the modality of choice for evaluation of the TMJ. Radiologists need to be familiar with the normal anatomy and function of the TMJ and MR imaging of the internal derangement and other less common pathologies of the TMJ.

Automated summary

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and disability. The most common cause is internal derangement, but other pathologies can mimic it. MRI is the preferred imaging modality for evaluating the TMJ, and radiologists need to be familiar with its normal anatomy and function, as well as the imaging features of various pathologies.