Abstract
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be painful and cause functional limitations
and bone changes. Deeper clinical knowledge of the pathologies related to the TMJ
has always been hindered by the difficult identification of the causes that limit
its movement. Weight-bearing magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) can reproduce the
articular movement in orthostasis and allows the evaluation of joint movement. WBMRI,
compared with other procedures such as double-type condylography and real-time dynamic
ultrasound, helps to better identify tissue characteristics of the articular glenoid-condylar
surfaces, articular space, disk position on both the open and closed mouth, and the
locoregional musculotendinous area. WBMRI also identifies the true position of the
articular disk in orthostasis, emphasizing the different joint positions compared
with the study carried out in a clinostatic (supine) position.
Keywords
temporomandibular joint - weight-bearing MRI - functional weight-bearing examination
