Arthrography of the temporomandibular joint

The temporomandibular joint is anatomically and functionally complex. Some of its internal secrets may be delineated by careful arthrography. However, the arthrographer must pay as much attention to the dynamic joint as to static images. At the very least, TMJ arthrography has shown that there are anatomic abnormalities which account for many components of the syndrome of TMJ pain and dysfunction. Clicks, locks, perforations, and detachments, as well as their many variations, can be easily documented. As a diagnostic tool, TMJ arthrography is still in its infancy, but it should help in planning rational conservative and surgical intervention. The future for this technique is exciting.