Korean J Oral Maxillofac Radiol.  2001 Dec;31(4):185-192.

Evaluation of the condylar movement on MRI during maximal mouth opening in patients with internal derangement of TMJ: comparison with transcranial view

• Cho BH

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the condylar movement at maximal mouth opening on MRI in patients with internal derangement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MR images and transcranial views for 102 TMJs in 51 patients were taken in closed and maximal opening positions, and the amount of condylar movement was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.
RESULTS
For MR images, the mean condylar movements were 9.4 mm horizontally, 4.6 mm vertically and 10.9 mm totally, while those for transcranial views were 12.5 mm, 4.6 mm, and 13.7 mm respectively. The condyle moved forward beyond the summit of the articular eminence in 41 TMJs (40.2%) for MR images and 56 TMJs (54.9%) for transcranial views.
CONCLUSION
The horizontal and total condylar movements were smaller in MR images than in transcranial views.

Keyword

temporomandibular joint disk; magnetic resonance imaging; mandibular condyle

MeSH Terms

Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Mandibular Condyle
Mouth*
Temporomandibular Joint Disc
Temporomandibular Joint*