Normal and abnormal temporomandibular joints: quantitative evaluation of inferior joint space arthrography

Arthrography has been shown to provide important diagnostic information in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. In this study, 60 arthrograms on totally asymptomatic patients and 64 arthrograms on symptomatic patients were evaluated. Quantitative evaluation of inferior joint space arthrography was performed with the help of a computer digitizing morphometry program. Results indicate a significant difference in the areas of the anterior and posterior recesses between normal and abnormal joints in the closed-mouth position. Differences between the 2 groups also exist in linear measurements of the anterior recess. This data further defines important diagnostic criteria in the arthrographic evaluation of both the normal and abnormal TMJ.