The MRI study as a diagnostic and therapeutic indicator in the non-surgical management of temporomandibular joint disorders: phase I management--a case report.

The dental profession frequently points to occlusion, muscle disorders or psychological stress as principal causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Diagnosis and management is confusing, and no general consensus exists. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have allowed a means of evaluating large numbers of patients for internal derangements in an objective non-invasive fashion. This has unequivocally confirmed prior arthrographic and surgical observation that partial or complete dislocation of the articular disk with condylar compression of sensitive superior posterior joint space neurovascular elements is the principal pathophysiologic mechanism of TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders have been shown to be a general progression of degenerative joint disease characterized by joint space compression with displacement and degeneration of articular hard and soft tissues, most commonly the result of trauma. This article illustrates how the author has combined several different dental and medical diagnostic procedures with clinical therapeutic measures to manage patients to improved function and remission of symptoms by controlling the position of the joint hard structures in an objective fashion.