IMAGING METHODS IN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR ARTICULATION CHANGES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Due to its anatomical complexity, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the corporeal regions that offers greater difficulty in obtaining conventional images. In this context, it is necessary to use imaging exams that have a greater effectiveness in order to contribute to the diagnosis of alterations of this joint. Objective: this article aims to study the efficacy of imaging tests used to diagnose temporomandibular joint (TMJ) changes and / or injuries. Material and methods: it is a review of the literature, in which ten articles were selected. The PubMed and Scielo databases were consulted. The following descriptors were used: temporomandibular joint, tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic imaging and cone-beam computed tomography. Results: Panoramic radiography was considered as an imaging method, not indicated for the diagnosis of TMJ changes due to distortions of the images. Magnetic resonance imaging was recognized as a gold standard for assessing soft tissue changes in TMJ. To evaluate bone changes of the TMJ, cone beam computed tomography was considered ideal. Conclusion: Each imaging method has a specific indication for the diagnosis of TMJ changes. However, in reconciling magnetic resonance imaging and cone beam computed tomography, both provide a complementary diagnosis of all the structures that make up this joint.