J Korean Radiol Soc.  1989 Feb;25(1):86-92. 10.3348/jkrs.1989.25.1.86.

Dual joint space arthrography in temporomandibular joint disorders: comparison with single inferior joint space arthrography

• Choi HS
• Chang DS
• Lee KS
• Kim WS
• Sung JH
• Jun YH

• KMID: 2383155
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1989.25.1.86

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is really a complex of two synovial spaces separated by fibrocartilaginousdisc. Single inferior joint space arthrography is commonly performed for evaluation of TMJ disorders, which isknown to be superior in demonstrating joint dynamics. But it reveals only the inferior surface of the disc.Therfore, dual space arthrography is superior to demonstrate the soft tissue anatomic featurs of the joint such asdisc position and shape. Authors performed 83 TMJ arthrograms in TMG problems, Initially, the inferior joint spacewas done and then the superiorspace was sequentially contrasted. The following results were noted: 1. In allcases, dual space arthrography revealed accurate disc shapes and positions. 2. Concordant findings between the twotechniques: 68 cases (82%). Discordance between the two techniques: 15 cases (18%). 3. Possible causes ofdiscordance between inferior and dual space arthrography. a) Normal variants of anterior recess: 3 cases b)Posterior disc displacement:4 cases c) Influence of the patient's head position change: 4 cases d) Falseperforation: 2 cases e) Reduction change: 2 cases 4.In 5 cases with anterior displacement, dual space arthrographygave additional findings such as adhesion within the superior space, which could not be evaluated by singleinferior space arthrography. 5. Dual space arthrography should be requeired especially when the clinical findingsare not similar to single inferior joint space arthrography and disc position is questionable.

MeSH Terms

Arthrography*
Head
Joints*
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders*
Temporomandibular Joint*