Imaging Methods Used in the Evaluation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular joint (tmj) is one of the most complex joint in the body that is responsible for chewing, swellowing and speaking. temporomandibular disorders is a term expressing a series of clinical problems that affects masticatory muscles and/or tmj. the diagnosis of tmj disorders should be made with anamnesis, clinical examination and radiographic evaluation. the proper imaging method should be selected by evaluation of all the factors like radiation dose, the contribution to the diagnosis and treatment planing of the tmj disorders, applicability and cost. in this article the imaging methods; panoramic, transcranial, transpharingeal, transorbital, transmaxillary, submentovertex views, conventional tomography, computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography, scintigraphy, arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography were reviewed that are useful for the evaluation of the anatomic components of tmj; osseous structures, disc, ligaments and muscles. the information about the selection of the proper imaging method was given.