title: The temporomandibular joint: magnetic resonance imaging using surface coils.
abstract: A total of 115 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in 67 patients were examined by high resolution magnetic resonance (MR) using a surface coil. Five millimeter sections were imaged using a two-dimensional multisection acquisition. Findings of MR examinations were correlated with findings of conventional radiographic and clinical examinations. Surgical confirmation was available in 15 patients. MR definition of soft-tissue structures including the meniscus is superior to that of conventional imaging methods. Bony detail is comparable. MR is an excellent method for the primary diagnostic evaluation of TMJ abnormalities.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*