MRI TM JOINT

MRI TM JOINT

In medical terms, MRI TM Joint is termed as MR Imaging of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction – a common condition that is best evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The first step in MR imaging of the TMJ is to evaluate the articular disk, or meniscus, in terms of its morphologic features and both closed and open-mouth positions.

Disk location is a crucial point because the presence of a displaced disk is a critical sign of TMJ dysfunction. However, disk displacement is also frequently seen in asymptomatic patients, therefore, other tests may also be required to help make the diagnosis.

These results of MRI TM Joint includes thickening of an attachment of the lateral pterygoid muscle, rupture of retrodiskal layers, and joint effusion and can serve as indirect early signs of TMJ dysfunction.

Benefits:

• It helps radiologist to detect early MR imaging signs of dysfunction, thereby avoiding the evolution of this condition to its final stage, an advanced and irreversible phase that are characterized by osteoarthritic changes such as condylar flattening or osteophytes.
• MR imaging techniques will allow a better understanding of the sources of TMJ pain and of any discrepancy between imaging findings and patient symptoms.