The examination of the temporomandibular joint on 1,5T magnetic resonance.

The most frequent intraarticular disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) represents the disorder of the functional relation between the articular disc and mandible condyle, i.e. dislocation of the articular disc. Magnetic resonance (MR) optimally visualizes the soft and hard articular tissues (articular disc, articular socket and condyle of the mandible) and its surroundings. The aim of the study was to evaluate findings of MR investigation of the TMJ. We investigated billateraly 26 patients with TMJ disorders during the years 1996 and 2003. All patients were examined on 1,5 T MR. Joints were studied in T1 and T2 weighted images with closed mouth and during mouth opening in dynamic study. MR verified dysfunction was observed in 48 investigated TMJ (92,3 %), hydrops of the joint was observed in 3 joints (5,8 %), arthrosis of the condylar head in 4 patients (7,6 %). Only four TMJ had normal MR finding (7,6 %). MR represents the best method for studying clinically affected joints, for the evaluation of the morphological state of TMJ and the analysis of the dynamic process during mouth opening. Method is also useful for revealing of a disorder in clinically silent joints. T2 weighted image in TSE mode brought best imaging of the joint. The fat saturation sequence was advantageous mainly in liquid storage (hydrops of the joint, edema in the adjacent bone). The dimensions of the articular cleft and bone components of the joint were well-visualized in T1 weighted images.