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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Unlocking the jaw: advanced imaging of the temporomandibular joint
Jonelle M Petscavage-Thomas1, Eric A Walker
11 Department of Radiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033.
Objective:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common condition, affecting up to 28% of the population. The TMJ can be affected by abnormal dynamics of the disk-condyle complex, degenerative arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and crystal arthropathy. Less commonly, neoplasms and abnormal morphologic features of the condyle are causes of TMJ symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging is frequently used for diagnosis.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of the normal imaging appearance of the TMJ, its appearance on radiological examination, and interventional techniques are useful for providing a meaningful radiologic contribution. This article will review normal TMJ anatomy; describe the normal ultrasound, CT, and MRI appearances of TMJ; provide imaging examples of abnormal TMJs; and illustrate imaging-guided therapeutic TMJ injection.
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