Semiopaque arthrography of the temporomandibular joint

Arthrography was performed in 166 temporomandibular joints with known disorders. The results reflected the pathology expected in each disorder. Clicking and locking were characterized by an increased inferior synovial cavity. The superior cavity was either normal or with irregularity of the articular space. In degenerative diseases, the most frequent finding was perforation of the disc. Rheumatoid arthritis was characterized by reduced extent and irregular outline of the synovial cavities. A late effect from contusion of the temporomandibular joint was a slight reduction in the extent of the synovial cavity. Late effects from intracapsular fracture of the mandibular condyle were considerable irregularity of the articular space and perforation of the disc. As a rule, the arthrographs were highly characteristic, and it seems possible to distinguish between the current disorders by means of arthrography. The arthrographs of 15 intact joints are described. The features of unsuccessful arthrography based on 32 instances of extrasynovial injection are described.