J Korean Radiol Soc.  1993 Aug;29(4):665-672.

MRI of the internal derangement of temporomandibular joint: Comparison with arthrographic and operation

• Kim MH
• Kim DI
• Kim HG
• Suh JH
• Jung TS

Abstract

We retrospectively reviewed the MRI findings of 100 temporomandibular joints in 78 patients who had complained temporomandibular joint dysfunction. MRI findings were classified according to Wilke's staging criteria. And these findings were compared with arthrographic findings in 22 joints and surgical findings in 44 joints. According to Wilkes's staging. They were classified into 6 stages of abnormality: stage 0 (33 cases), stage I (19 cases), stage II (10 cases), stage III (18 cases), stage IV (6cases), stage V (14 cases). Among the 22 cases in which arthrography and MRI were done, both studies were well correlated in 10 joints. In 7 joints, MRI was superior to arthrography, which correctly demonstrated the meniscal displacement in 2 joints and . Meniscal deformity in 5 joints. In 5 joints, arthrography was superior to MR, which demonstrated the perforation (1 joint), adhesion (2 joint) and recapture of meniscus (2 joints). Compared with surgical findings, MRI correctly demonstrated the displacement of meniscus in all 44 joints. However, in case of the 10 meniscal perforation, MRI demonstrated the meniscal discontinuity in only 4 joints. Retrospective MR findings in 10 proven cases were the defect in posterior attachment in 4, far anterior meniscal displacement without recapture in 8m condylar spur in 4, and close bone to bone contact in 1. In conclusion, MRI as a primary Fiagnostic modality of temporomandibular joint derangment, is superior for the grading of displacement and deformity of meniscus but inferior for the evaluation of perforation, adhesion and recapture of meniscus to conventional arthrography. In case of the suspected meniscal perforation, arthrographic correlation is recommanded preoperatively.

MeSH Terms

Arthrography
Congenital Abnormalities
Humans
Joints
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Retrospective Studies
Temporomandibular Joint*