Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders by Magnetic Resonance: a narrative review

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is extremely important and complex for the organism, since it is responsible for joining the skull to the mandible. Therefore, any alteration due to injury or dysfunction can cause signs and symptoms that characterize temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Based on a narrative review, this study sought to analyze the effectiveness of the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders by magnetic resonance imaging, through a literature review. It was evidenced that, among radiodiagnosis exams, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers essential data and information regarding the mapping of the TMJ, especially in cases of dysfunction due to disk displacement. of the joint, also having the advantage of not exposing the patient to ionizing radiation, as in the case of computed tomography, for example. Thus, it is impossible not to link the benefits offered by MRI for the diagnosis of TMD. With high-resolution images, the MRI technique allows detailed and precise anatomical and functional observation, providing exclusive information on the studied segments, results that only the MRI device can achieve. Although it has limitations like any method, its incomparable advantages stand out, taking MRI to an unattainable level in relation to other techniques available for studying the TMJ.