Fifty-eight temporomandibular joints (TMJs) from 40 patients with TMJ-related symptoms were examined by means of magnetic resonance scans with modified gradient echo sequences and a special double coil. This technique yielded a good spatial resolution of the intra-articular soft tissues, especially the articular disc and the bone structure of the TMJ. In combination with an incremental jaw opener, the disc-condyle complex was analysed in various closed and open mouth positions, depending on the clinical examination. Open mouth movement with differentiation of disc-condyle rotational and...

Fifty-eight temporomandibular joints (TMJs) from 40 patients with TMJ-related symptoms were examined by means of magnetic resonance scans with modified gradient echo sequences and a special double coil. This technique yielded a good spatial resolution of the intra-articular soft tissues, especially the articular disc and the bone structure of the TMJ. In combination with an incremental jaw opener, the disc-condyle complex was analysed in various closed and open mouth positions, depending on the clinical examination. Open mouth movement with differentiation of disc-condyle rotational and translation movement was demonstrated.

Disturbances of TMJ motion showed interrupted condylar translation combined with mandibular deviation during open mouth movement (n=8/58). Early phases of internal derangement of the TMJ with partial anterior disc displacement with (n=12/58) or without (n=2/58) reduction, total anterior disc displacement without reduction (n=10/58), disc deformation (n=10/58), disc adhesion (n=2/58), condylar hypermobility (n=6/58), condylar displacement (n=8/58), and late phases of internal derangement of the TMJ with osteoarthrosis (n=14/58) were clearly identified. Bilateral TMJ disorder was found in 72.5 per cent of the patients. By using motion-adapted, semi-dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is possible to improve the understanding of the complexity of TMJ movements.