A technique for magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint

T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of 72 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of symptomatic patients and normal subjects was performed after they had been clinically classified. The images were then interpreted by two radiologists, blinded to the clinical classification. The technique of imaging used a head coil for bilateral imaging, allowing a 3-position study in under 1 h. Correlation between MRI and clinical classification at the level of normal vs abnormal was achieved in 61/72 joints, giving a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 91% for MRI relative to the clinical assessment. True coronal images were of no added value. The addition of supplemental gradient-echo images was helpful in 12/15 joints. Osseous condylar abnormalities were present in 15 joints, all of which had otherwise identifiable disc abnormalities. Diminished condylar translation was a useful indirect sign of non-reducing disc displacement. We conclude that MRI is a very useful and reliable technique in TMJ imaging. The technique described is applicable to any MR unit, without the need for dedicated coils.