Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging, arthrotomography and clinical and surgical findings in temporomandibular joint internal derangements.

Twenty-four temporomandibular joints were evaluated by means of tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Seventeen of these joints were also examined with the use of arthrotomography. Meniscus surgery was carried out on 13 of the temporomandibular joints. The three imaging techniques were compared for diagnosis of disk displacement, of degenerative joint disease, and of perforations. All imaging techniques were compared with clinical and surgical findings. MRI was as accurate as arthrotomography in confirming disk displacement. MRI was more accurate in disclosing gross arthrosis than tomography. The best use of arthrography was in disclosing perforations. The best correlation to surgical findings was shown by the clinical examination.