Postoperative imaging of the temporomandibular joint.

Postoperative axiography is compared to preoperative findings and repeated regularly. Postoperative arthroscopy is avoided because of its invasiveness. Plain films comprise panorama views, the axial skull view, the Schüller view in closed and open mouth position, and the Clementschitsch view. They are done in the early postoperative phase (2 days), before and after removal of osteosynthetic material, and after 1 year. Early postoperative computed tomography control is done in patients with intra-articular fractures to look for intra-articular fragments and to check for the position of the affected bones or radiopaque alloplastic materials. Routine magnetic resonance imaging is performed 6 months after disk surgery as a baseline study or whenever symptoms suggest missing recapture of the disk or if there is a discrepancy between clinical and radiological findings. Postoperative internal disk structure may become hyperintense centrally on T1 and T2 due to mucoid degeneration. Postoperative adhesions can be suspected when the disk lacks mobility.