Preliminary studies on the use of MRI in the diagnosis of TMJ disc displacement.

The temporomandibular joints of seven patients exhibiting clinical signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction were scanned using a 0.3T magnetic resonance system. Images were obtained with the mandible in open and closed positions. Patients were also scanned wearing a maxillary occlusal splint. Images obtained showed varying degrees of disc displacement and pathological changes in the joint depending on the severity of the clinical symptoms presented. In all patients, splints were shown to distract the joint slightly and place the condyle, disc and fossa in a more favourable relationship.