title: Staging of internal derangements of the TMJ with magnetic resonance imaging: preliminary observations.
abstract: Although MRI has been reported to be accurate in diagnosing displaced TMJ menisci, it has not been used to characterize the condition of the meniscus. A staging system of internal derangement of the TMJ using MRI signal characteristics and morphology of the meniscus is presented. A normal meniscus has the appearance of a small "drumstick" and is positioned superiorly on the mandibular condyle. It produces a small amount of intermediate signal on the MRI. A grade 1 displaced meniscus has normal shape and signal; a grade 2 meniscus has normal shape and absent signal; a grade 3 meniscus has abnormal shape and absent signal. There was a significant correlation between meniscus grade and chronicity of symptoms, severity of pain, and presence of degenerative joint disease in 62 joints (39 patients).
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Helms
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Orwig
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McNeill
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kaban
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology