Magnetic resonance imaging of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

MRI is currently capable of diagnosing anterior derangements of the temporomandibular joint. Although large prospective studies comparing MRI with conventional modalities have not yet been done, early evidence suggests that findings seen on high-resolution surface coil MR images correlate very well with CT, arthrographic, and surgical findings. Much additional work will need to be performed before MRI of the temporomandibular joint becomes a standard diagnostic tool. However, we believe strongly that it will begin to replace arthrography and CT for diagnosing internal derangements within the next few years.