[Conventional roentgen diagnosis and computed tomography of the temperomandibular joint in myoarthropathy]

Clinical utilization of the high resolution, thin-slice CT (slice thickness: 1 mm) makes it possible to systemize the bony structure changes of the joint correlated with disfunctions. Using this technique total evaluations of this complex can be made. In patients suffering from myoarthropathy, the partially typical changes in both the functional anatomy, as well as in form, structure and topography of specific regions of the joint can be viewed objectively. The alteration process of the temporomandibular joint is considered causal in connection with muscular disfunctions, which often lay the foundation for chronic pain conditions in the regions of the face and head. The broad spectrum of conventional radiographic techniques documents, on one hand, the extremely unfavorable anatomy of the temporomandibular joint with regard to radiography. On the other hand, it also implies a certain amount of diagnostic uncertainty in this region. Comment is made concerning the informational value as well as the limits of the most important radiologic techniques. It is of utmost importance to evaluate the radiographic findings of the temporomandibular joint in myoarthropathies with a clinical functional analysis, which is easy to carry out.