title: Contemporary imaging of the temporomandibular joint.
abstract: This article discusses imaging techniques for visualization of the temporomandibular joint. Conventional plain film modalities are discussed briefly, with an emphasis on the more contemporary modalities, such as CT with cone-beam technology, MRI, and nuclear imaging, including single-photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. Indications, advantages, and limitations are discussed. As advancements in this area continue, our understanding of this complex joint and its pathology will follow, which will lead to more defined imaging indications and ultimately, to improved treatment outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Health Science Center, Gainesville, FL 32610-0416, USA. elewis@dental.ufl.edu
authors.forename: Emma L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: M Franklin
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Dolwick
authors.forename: Shelly
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abramowicz
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Reeder
mesh_terms: D001175:Arthrography; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography