Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).


METHODS
MRI was carried out in 11 cases of synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ, which had been confirmed surgically and histologically.


RESULTS
Severe bony changes were not apparent. One or more hypointensive loose bodies were seen in 7 of the 11 cases. A considerable amount of synovial fluid, often with capsular expansion, was a common finding.


CONCLUSIONS
A diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ must be considered when the amount of synovial fluid is abnormally large and the disc position is fairly normal, as seen on closed- and open-mouth MRI of the TMJ, without any associated severe changes in disc shape or bony structure.
Kim
Hyung-Gon
HG
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yongdong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, Yongdong P.O. Box 1217, Seoul 135-720, Korea. dental@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Park
Kwang-Ho
KH
Huh
Jong-Ki
JK
Song
Yeong-Bok
YB
Choi
Hee-Soo
HS
D000328:Adult; D015838:Chondromatosis, Synovial / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007594:Joint Loose Bodies / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D013582:Synovial Fluid; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000473:pathology*