Temporomandibular Joint: Review of the Anatomy, Pathology, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex synovial joint that connects the mandible to the temporal bone. It is responsible for the movement of the jaw, allowing actions such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. Due to its complex anatomy and biomechanics, the TMJ is a frequent source of pain and dysfunction, affecting a significant proportion of the population. Radiology plays a crucial role in the assessment and management of TMJ disorders, providing noninvasive imaging techniques that can assist in the diagnosis and treatment planning of these conditions. In recent years, several studies have explored the use of different imaging modalities for TMJ evaluation, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US). The diagnosis of TMJ disorders requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, clinical examination, and imaging studies. Radiological imaging is particularly useful for assessing the bony and soft tissue structures of the joint, as well as the adjacent structures such as the muscles and nerves. In this chapter, a comprehensive review of the TMJ is presented, with emphasis on TMJ MR imaging diagnostics.