Imaging of TMJ

The TMJ is one of the last diarthrodial joints to appear
in utero and does not emerge in the craniofacial
region until the 8th week of gestation.
The maxilla, mandible, muscles of mastication, and
biconcave disc develop embryologically from the first
branchial arch through the 14 th week of gestation.
The joint continues developing in the early childhood
years as the jaw is utilized for sucking motions and
eventually chewing.

 The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an atypical
synovial joint located between the condylar process of
the mandible and the mandibular fossa and articular
eminence of the temporal bone.
 location: between mandible and mandibular fossa of
squamous temporal bone
 Ligaments
 major ligament: temporomandibular ligament
 thickened lateral portion of the capsule
 strengthens the TMJ laterally
 minor ligaments: stylomandibular and
sphenomandibular ligaments

 Articular disc
 Between the posterior band of the TMJ disc and the capsule is
the retrodiscal zone (aka bilaminar zone).
 Normally, the disc lies above the condyle, with the junction of the posterior
band and intermediate zone within 10° of vertical. Using this measurement
however, up to 33% of asymptomatic individuals have displaced discs. Thus
some authors suggest using 30° as the cut off to improve specificity.
 The mandibular condyle is centred on the glenoid fossa when the
mouth is closed. When the mouth is open, the condyle moves
anteriorly under the centre of the articular eminence.
The disc has anterior (A) and posterior (P) bands. The thinner central
portion is called the intermediate zone (IZ). The posterior band is normally
located directly on top of the condyle (C) when the mouth is closed. The
intermediate zone should be between the condyle and the closest portion of
the temporal bone in any mouth position.
The posterior aspect of the disc attaches to the bilaminar zone, collagen
fibres that pull the disc back when it moves forward.

In a physiologic joint, the disk is positioned between the mandibular head inferiorly and
the articular eminence anteriorly and superiorly when the jaw is closed. The posterior
band of the disk lies within 10° of the 12 o'clock position

 When the jaw is opened, the disk slides into a position between the
mandibular head and articular eminence (Figs 7, 8). The loose tissue of the
bilaminar zone allows the remarkable range of motion of the disk

Orthopantomogram:
Conventional OPG machine orients the x ray
beam obliquely through the condyle.
Limited view of the fossa condyle relationship.

The patient’s head is displaced forward/ the alignment
of the source is altered so that the central beam is
oriented along the long axis of the condyle.
 Condyles - gross osseous changes, extensive erosions,
growths or fractures
 No information about condylar position or function
(Mandible is partly opened and protruded when this
Radiograph is exposed)

 TRANSCRANIAL VIEW
INDICATION AREA OF
JOINT SEEN
TMJ pain
dysfunction
syndrome
Lateral aspect of:
Glenoid fossa
Articular
eminence
Joint space
Condylar head
Internal
derangement
Range of
movement in
joints

 Film position: flat against patients ear
 Centered over TM joint of interest
 Against facial skin parallel to sagittal plane
 Position of patient: head adjusted so sagittal plane is
vertical & ala tragus line parallel to floor
 View :3 positions-open, close, rest mouth

 Central ray aimed downwards at 25 degree to the
horizontal, across the cranium, centering through
TMJ of interest
 Closed view- size of joint space, position of head
of condyle, shape & condition of glenoid fossa &
articular eminence
 Open view- range & type of movement
 Comparison of both sides
Disadvantages :
 Superimposition of ipsilateral petrous ridge over
the condylar neck

Transcranial projections of the left TMJ.
degree of translatory movement between
the closed view (A) and the open view

INDICATION AREA OF JOINT
SEEN
Tmj pain dysfunction
syndrome
Lateral view:
Condylar head & neck
Articular surface
Osteoarthritis &
rheumatoid arthritis
Pathology-condylar
head-cyst & tumor
Fracture of neck &
condyle

 Film placement-patient holds the cassette
 flat against patients ear
 Centered over TM joint of interest
 Against facial skin parallel to sagittal plane
 ½ inch anterior to EAM
 Central ray- directed from opp side cranially at
angle(-5 to -10 degrees)
 Beneath the zygomatic arch, through sigmoid notch
posteriorly across pharynx at the condyle
 Comparison of both condylar heads

INDICATION AREA OF JOINT
SEEN
Trauma
Fracture cases
Ant view of TMJ
Medial displacement of
fractured condyle
Fracture of neck of
condyle

 Film position-behind patients head at an angle of
45 degree to sagittal pane
 Position of patient-
-sagittal pane vertical
-Canthomeatal line should be 10 degree to the
horizontal with head tipped downwards
 Central ray-
-tube head-front of patients face
-directed to joint of interest at an angle of +20
degrees to strike cassette at right angles

Point of entry may be taken as-
- Pupil of the same eye-asking patient to look
straight ahead
- Medial canthus of the same eye
- Disadvantage : if the patient cannot open wide,
areas of the joint articulating surfaces will be
obscured because of mutual superimposition

Condyle seen below
articular eminence

INDICATION AREAS OF JOINT
SEEN
Articular surface of
condyles and disease
within joint
Posterior view of both
condylar head and
neck
Fracture of condylar
head & neck,
intracapsular fracture
Condylar
hypo/hyperplasia

 Film position-cassette placed perpendicular to the
floor
 Long axis of cassette placed vertically
 Position of patient-
-sagittal plane vertical & perpendicular to film
-lips are centered on the film
-only forehead should touch the film
-mouth wide open
-angle of negative 30 degrees to film
 Central ray-directed midsagittal plane at the level
of mandible and perpendicular to film

Forehead –nose
position
Appreciation of
condyle on left
side
REVERSE
TOWNE’S
(Eric
Whaites)

 Observe occipital area of skull
 Neck of condylar process
 Film position-cassette perpendicular to floor, long
axis-vertically
 Position of patient- back of patients head touching
film. canthomeatal line perpendicular to film
 Central ray-30 degree to canthomeatal line & passes
it at a point b/n external auditory canals

Noninvasive and inexpensive
Disc displacement and joint effusion
Scarce accessibility of the medial part of the TMJ
structures
Need for trained and calibrated operators

Positioning of the transducer and consequent
visualization of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A.
Horizontal positioning, transverse image of the TMJ. B.
Vertical positioning, coronal/sagittal image of the TMJ
(depending on the angulation of the transducer).

1.)Bifid condyle
 A bi-lobed or duplicated
mandibular head is an incidental
imaging finding.
 While the etiology is unknown,
theories include reminiscence of
congenital fibrous septum and
peripartum or early childhood
trauma. The duplicated heads may
lie in either an antero-posterior or
transverse orientation.
 No treatment is required for
asymptomatic patients. However
surgery may be performed if there
is displacement of the disc or
ankylosis of the joint space.

Panoramic radiograph
displaying duplication of both
condyles.
Coronal computed tomograp

 In some individuals there may
be persistence of a
developmental defect in the
tympanic plate.
 It is found to be located at the
antero-inferior aspect of the
external auditory canal and
posteromedial to the TMJ.
 TMJ tissue may also herniate
into the EAC during
mastication .
 This foramen also can act as a
path of communication
between the EAC and TMJ or
infratemporal fossa allowing
the spread of infection,
inflammation or tumor

 Aplasia and hypoplasia of the mandibular condyle is secondary to
non-development or underdevelopment of the condyle and can be
congenital or acquired.
 Congenital aplasia or hypoplasia of the mandibular
condyles is a rare anomaly and usually occurs as a part of more
widespread 1st and 2nd branchial arch anomalies (e.g., Treacher-
Collins syndrome).
 Acquired condylar hypoplasia may be secondary to local
factors (trauma, infection, radiation) or systemic factors (toxic
agents, rheumatoid arthritis, mucopolysaccharoidosis).
 Traumatic vaginal delivery has been implicated as a cause of
hypoplasia.
 Hypoplasia may involve one or both of the condyles. Unilateral
disease produces mandibular rotation or tilt and associated facial
asymmetry. The diagnosis of bilateral condylar hypoplasia may be
delayed secondary to facial symmetry.

Idiopathic condylar resorption
(also known as condylysis or
“cheerleader syndrome”) is
primarily a disease of TMJ
affecting teenage girls.
There is rapidly progressive
condylar erosion resulting in
widening of the joint space with the
chin becoming less prominent from
retrognathia.
Many causes have been
hypothesized including estrogen
influence on osteogenesis,
avascular necrosis, and TMJ
internal derangement.

 Condylar hyperplasia is a rare disorder
characterized by increased volume of
the mandibular condyle, and is
frequently associated with increased
volume of the ramus and mandibular
body.
 usually a unilateral process
 second and third decades of life during
brisk periods of osteogenesis
 Trauma has also been implicated in
asymmetric condylar hyperplasia.
 The hyperplasia produces facial
asymmetry with the chin rotating away
from the affected side.
 Resection of the hyperplastic condyle
causes the abnormal growth to cease
and restores facial symmetry.

 Extensive pneumatization of the
mastoid bone can involve the
glenoid fossa and articular
eminence.
 Knowledge of extensive
pneumatization is necessary prior
to surgery to prevent perforations.
 Pneumatization can also provide
a path of minimal resistance and
facilitate the spread of
pathological tumors,
inflammation, infection or
fracture into the joint.

 Internal derangement (ID) is defined as a mechanical fault of the
joint that interferes with smooth joint function attributed to
abnormal interaction of the articular disc, condyle and articular
eminence. Associated clinical features include articular pain and
articular noises.
 Disc displacement is the most common cause of ID.
 Loose bodies and adhesions in the joint can also result in
derangement.
 Up to 34% of asymptomatic volunteers can have anterior disc
displacement and 23% of patients with derangement can have
normal disc position.
 MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of
internal derangement with an accuracy of 95% in assessing the disc
position and form and 93% accuracy in assessing the osseous
changes

The disc displacement is categorized based on the relation of the displaced disc
with mandibular condyle.
 The displacement can be anterior, anterolateral, anteromedial, lateral,
medial and posterior.
 The most common pattern of disc displacement are either anterior and
anterolateral (80%)
 The disc displacement can be subclassified as anterior displacement with
reduction (ADR) or anterior displacement with no reduction (ADNR) based
on restoration of a normal relationship between the condyle and the disc on
mouth opening.
The disc displacement can be either complete or partial.
 If the entire mediolateral dimension of the disc is displaced, it is referred to
as complete displacement.
 If only the medial or lateral portion of the disc is displaced, it is referred to
as partial displacement. Partial disc displacement is commonly seen
with ADR.
 Frequently the lateral part of the disc is displaced anteriorly while the medial
part of the disc remains in normal position (rotational disk displacement)

 In ADR, the anteriorly displaced disc returns to the normal position on mouth
opening producing a “reciprocal click” .
 In ADNR, there is limited mouth opening and deviation of the jaw to the affected side
(closed lock). Over time, stretching or perforation of the retrodiscal tissue causes
deformation of the disk leading to an improvement in jaw excursion and reduced
lateral deviation during mouth opening . The posterior band of the disc remains
anterior to the condyle even with mouth opening. There is increased association of
degenerative changes in the TMJ with the ADNR.
 Although TMJ disorder with ADR and normal condylar cortical bone may be stable for
decades, it will eventually progress to ADNR.
 The exact mechanism for a disc displacement is unknown although trauma with injury
to the posterior disc attachment is considered to be the most likely cause.
 Unenhanced MRI is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of ID.
 During the early stage of ID the disc retains its normal shape, but over time it
becomes deformed by thickening of the posterior band and thinning of the anterior
band. This produces in a biconvex, /teardrop shaped or a rounded disc.
MRI findings to suggest disc disease include
 presence of an irregular and rounded disc .
 disc flattening,
 decrease in the normal intermediate to high signal intensity of the disc
and
 presence of tear or perforation in the chronic stage.

 Posterior disc displacement is a rare entity .
The major clinical sign is a sudden onset of locked jaw in
open position. MRI is helpful in the diagnosis by
demonstrating displacement of the posterior band
beyond 1° clock position
 Anterolateral and antero-medial disk displacements are
grouped under rotational displacements while the pure
lateral and medial displacements are grouped under
sideways displacement.
 Isolated lateral displacement is rare .
 Anterolateral displacement is the most common pattern

 A pseudo-disk is present in some patients with
an anteriorly displaced disk. This has been
postulated as an adaptive reaction to anterior
disk displacement within the posterior disk
attachment followed by subsequent connective
tissue hyalinization that appears as a band-like
structure of low signal intensity replacing the
normally bright signal of the posterior disk
attachment

 The “stuck disc” is a pathologic condition characterized
by an immobile disc in relation to the glenoid fossa and
the articular eminence.
 This is present in both open and closed mouth positions
and is likely related to the adhesions. It can occur with or
without disc displacement and can be associated with
pain and joint dysfunction due to limitation of condylar
translation .
 This diagnosis can be missed unless the TMJ is imaged in
both open and closed mouth positions .
 Sagittal oblique cine imaging is particularly useful in
evaluation of stuck disk.

 Disc perforation is reported in 5% to 15% of deranged joints disc
displacements.
 It is more common in patients with ADNR than in ADR and is usually seen
in patients with advanced arthrosis. The prevalence of a perforated disc is
higher in women than in men and prevalent in individuals over 80 years of
age.
 MRI findings of disc perforation include disc deformity (100%), disc
displacement (81%), condylar bony changes (68%), joint effusion (23%)
and non-visualization of temporal posterior attachment (TPA) of the disc
(65%-68%).
 Conventional and MR arthrogram can be helpful in the diagnosis of a disc
perforation by demonstrating opacification of both the joint compartments
from a single lower compartment injection. If the disk perforation is
suspected a fat suppressed T2 weighted MRI can be obtained in sagittal and
coronal plane.
 Absence of stretching/straightening of the posterior temporal disk
attachment on mouth opening also suggests disk perforation.

 Joint effusion represents an abnormally large accumulation of intra-
articular fluid and is commonly seen in symptomatic patients. A small
amount of joint fluid can be seen in asymptomatic patients.
 An effusion is more prevalent in painful than in non-painful joints.
 T2 weighted MR sequence is the best sequence for the assessment
of joint effusion.
 Gadolinium enhanced T1 weighted imaging can be helpful in
distinguishing a plain joint effusion from synovial proliferation. In
patients with inflammatory arthropathies with associated synovial
proliferation, the proliferating synovium enhances while the effusion does
not.

 Several morphologic changes to the superior and
inferior bellies of the LPM on MRI have been
described. These include hypertrophy, atrophy and
contractures in patients with ADNR of the TMJ .
 It is suggested that there is significant association
between the anterior disc displacement and
attachment of the superior LPM to the disc alone and
not to the condyle.
 The interpreting radiologist should be aware of a
potential pitfall of mistaking the thickened inferior
LPM to an anteriorly displaced disc (“double disc
sign”)

 Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and avascular
necrosis (AVN) of the mandibular condyle are
represent a spectrum of the same
pathophysiology.
 Common clinical features include pain and joint
disability. Pain is commonly over the joint and
along the third division of the trigeminal nerve. Other
symptoms include ipsilateral headache,
earache and spasm of masticator muscles.
These can occur with or without limitation of joint
movements.
 MRI is the modality of choice for assessment
of OCD/AVN of the mandibular condyle. There
is decreased marrow signal on T1 weighted
sequences in cases of AVN. Early AVN
consistently exhibits high signal on T2WI and
acute OCD typically demonstrated a
hypointense central fragment surrounded by a
zone of higher signal on both T1W and T2W
sequences.

 Loose bodies in a synovial joint can be due
to primary or secondary synovial
chondromatosis.
 The primary type is associated with
spontaneous cartilaginous metaplasia in
the synovium, while the secondary type
is due to incorporation of
osteocartilaginous loose bodies in the
synovium in the setting of degenerative
joint disease.
 Common clinical symptoms associated with
loose bodies include pain, periauricular
swelling, decreased range of jaw motion,
crepitation and unilateral deviation of the
jaw during mouth opening .
 Panoramic radiographs of the TMJ may or
may not demonstrate loose bodies.
 High resolution CT or MRI can
demonstrate small loose bodies within the
TM joint space

 Patients with a hypermobile TMJ can present with an
inability to close the jaw (open lock) after wide opening of
the jaw.
 This occurs as a result of translation of the condyle
beyond the margins of the anterior attachment of the
TMJ capsule. Entrapment of the condyle along the
anterior slope of the articular eminence results due to
various biomechanical constraints, particularly
masticator muscle activity.
 In acute cases, a relevant clinical history of wide jaw
opening or trauma is sufficient.
 In chronic cases MRI can give information about the
height and steepness of the articular eminences as well as
the shape and position of the disc

 Ankylosis of the TMJ can be due to
fibrous adhesions or a bony fusion
resulting in the restriction of jaw
motion.
 It can occur as a sequel of previous
infection, trauma , surgery and in
patients with juvenile idiopathic
arthritis or bifid mandibular
condyles.
 MR arthrography is useful for
the evaluation of fibrous
adhesions and three-
dimensional CT scan is
necessary for surgical planning
when bony fusion is suspected .

 Similar to other synovial joints in body, the TMJ is
frequently involved in different inflammatory
arthritis.
 Degenerative arthritis and arthritis secondary to
crystalline deposition disease are also common in
TMJ.
 Arthritis secondary to infection or trauma can occur
at the TMJ.
 Arthritis of TMJ is discussed based on the
pathophysiologic mechanism.

 Juvenile idiopathic arthritis :Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the
most common rheumatic disease in childhood ( girls >boys). The disease
predominantly affects synovial joints.
 There are two peaks of onset, first (1 - 3 years) and the second (8 -12 years).
The TMJ is involved in 17% to 87% of patients with JIA.
 The TMJ is more commonly involved in patients with polyarticular joint
involvement.
 The typical presentation includes pain, joint tenderness, crepitation,
stiffness and decreased range of motion. Bony ankylosis can develop in some
patients as a late disease manifestation.
 Orthopantomogram, CT, MRI and ultrasound have been used to evaluate
TMJ JIA.
 MRI and ultrasound have gained popularity in evaluation of the TMJ (better
soft tissue resolution allowing earlier diagnosis ).
 Acute TMJ arthritis typically demonstrates joint effusion and synovial
thickening on T2 weighted imaging without any bony changes.
 Condylar resorption can be better evaluated on non-fat suppressed T1
weighted sequence and suggests a more chronic TMJ arthritis

 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that
predominantly affects the periarticular tissue such as synovial membrane, joint
capsules, tendon, tendon sheaths and ligaments. Internal joint components are
secondarily involved.
 female predominance
 The peak onset of disease is 40-60 years and approximately 50%-75% of patients
with RA have TMJ involvement.
 RA is a slowly progressive disease of insidious onset with progressive destruction of
the articular/periarticular soft tissue and the adjacent bones resulting in joint
deformity. The TMJ is involved at a later stage of disease.
 The mandibular condyle gradually resorbs as the disease progresses.
 Radiographic features of RA include loss of joint space, condylar destruction,
flattening with anterior positioning of the condyle. There may be flattening of
the articular eminence and erosion of the glenoid fossa. Synovial proliferation is
an early process in RA and can distinguish it from other types of arthritis. A joint
effusion is also comparatively more common in RA.

 Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease that
characteristically affects the articular cartilage of synovial
joints and is associated with simultaneous remodeling of the
underlying subchondral bone with secondary involvement of
the synovium.
 Osteoarthritis is the most common joint pathology affecting
the TMJ.
 Minimal condylar flattening is present in up to 35% of
asymptomatic patients while approximately 11% of patients
have TMJ OA-related symptoms.
 The most common symptom of TMJ OA is pain during
chewing.

 Radiologic hallmarks
of TMJ OA are
articular surface
cortical bone
irregularity, erosion
and osteophyte
formation .
 Osteophyte formation
typically occurs at a
later stage in the
disease

 Calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition disease:Calcium
pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition disease (CPPD) is a metabolic
arthropathy caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate
crystals in and around joints, especially within the articular cartilage and
fibrocartilage.
 The spectrum of TMJ involvement ranges from asymptomatic disk
calcification to a marked destruction of the joint
 Common symptoms include pain and preauricular swelling with occasional
hearing loss. Chewing can exacerbate the pain.
 Computed tomography demonstrates calcium deposition in the disk or
periarticular tissue. On MRI, CPP deposits typically appear as
hypointense material both on T1 and T2 weighted sequences. CT and
MRI show erosions near both the condyle and fossa with adjacent CPPD
deposits. Involvement of other joints with chondrocalcinosis is a clue to the
diagnosis.
 The differential diagnosis includes synovial chondromatosis, synovial
osteochondroma, and osteosarcoma.

 TMJ infection is usually secondary to direct
extension of infection from the adjacent tissue
into the joint.
 Systemic infections such as tuberculosis and
syphilis can rarely involve the TMJ.
 TMJ infection is more common in the setting of
immunosuppression and presence of other
systematic diseases such as diabetes mellitus,
rheumatoid arthritis and intravenous drug use,
etc.

 Car accidents and assaults are the cause of about 75% of
mandibular fractures; falls and sporting accidents
account for the rest.
 The prevalence of condylar process fractures ranges
between 25% and 50% of all mandibular fractures.
 Fractures of the condylar process are classified as
fractures of the condylar neck—low, medium, or high—
and condylar head, which are classified as extracapsular
or intracapsular.
 The distinction between high condylar neck and
extracapsular condylar head fractures is somewhat
arbitrary.

 Fractures are further subdivided into nondisplaced and displaced
fractures. Owing to the traction of the lateral pterygoid muscle,
fractures are typically displaced medially.
 Because of its low cost and availability, conventional radiography,
particularly panoramic radiography, is frequently used as the first-
line diagnostic tool in radiologic, orthopedic, and dental practise for
trauma. Osseous injuries and gross malalignments may well be
diagnosed with this method. CT is the method of choice for
assessment and grading of facial trauma.
 MR imaging can help identify posttraumatic disk dislocation and
rupture and injury to attachments, capsule, cartilage, and ligaments
in the pretherapeutic evaluation.


 Tumors and tumor-like conditions can affect the TMJ.
 These conditions may have similar presentations such as pain,
swelling, and limitation of motion.

 Clinical findings
 Dislocations of the mandible tend to be uncomfortable but not severely painful for the
patient
 The presence of a fracture increases the pain
 Patients are unable to close mouth completely
 Dislocations may be unilateral or bilateral
 Predisposing conditions
 Shallow mandibular fossa may predispose to dislocation
 Connective tissue diseases like Marfan’s or Ehlers-Danlos may have increased risk
 Those with previous dislocations are at much greater risk for repeat dislocation
 May eventually result in osteoarthritis in TM joint
 Most dislocations occur spontaneously on opening the mouth widely for yawn,
dental work, during seizure
 Trauma may also produce dislocation
 When dislocated, mandibular condyle moves forward and lies anterior to the
articular eminence which prevents its return to the mandibular fossa of the
temporal bone
 Imaging findings
 Conventional radiography is usually diagnostic
 Mandibular condyle lies anterior to the articulate eminence on one or both sides
 Treatment
 Manual reduction is usually performed with sedation

 Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a benign
condition with chondrometaplasia of
the synovial membrane and formation of
cartilaginous nodules. These nodules can
become detached and form loose bodies
which later calcify.
 Synovial chondromatosis typically involves
large joints, such as the knee, hip, and
elbow. It is uncommon for the
temporomandibular joint to be affected by
SC. SC typically involves the superior
compartment of TMJ.
 Patients typically present with
preauricular pain, swelling, inflammation,
limitation of motion, and articular noises.
Some patients also report neurologic
dysfunction, such as headache and hearing
loss.

 The diagnosis of TMJ synovial chondromatosis is difficult
since it is a rare disease
 The radiologic findings of SC include calcified loose
bodies, soft tissue swelling, widening of the joint
space, irregularities of the joint surface, and
sclerosis of the glenoid fossa and/or mandibular
condyle. CT typically shows calcified nodules
surrounding the mandibular condyle with degenerative
changes of the condyle.
 MRI typically shows mixed solid and fluid signal
related to the metaplasia of the synovial tissue and the
fluid component of the accumulated synovial secretions.
 Treatment is surgical removal of the loose bodies and
excision of the metaplastic synovium.

 Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign, non-neoplastic
proliferative disorder of the synovial membranes of joints, bursae,
and tendon sheaths. The disease is typically monoarticular and most often
seen in the knee. Primary PVNS of the TMJ is rare.
 The exact etiology of PVNS is unclear. It was originally postulated to be an
inflammatory response to an unknown stimulus. Other theories
attribute it to repetitive intra-articular hemorrhage from trauma,
altered lipid metabolism, or a benign neoplastic proliferation.
 PVNS commonly presents as a slowly growing and non-tender swelling
of the affected joint.
 The most sensitive method for the detection of PVNS is by MRI
demonstrating T1/T2 hypointensity and blooming on the GRE
sequences from paramagnetic hemosiderin deposition. There may
be moderate to intense inhomogeneous enhancement of the synovium. CT
findings are usually nonspecific with bone erosion, subchondral cysts, and a
soft tissue mass.
 A joint effusion may be dense from the hemosiderin.

 Many benign primary bone neoplasms, such as
chondroblastoma, osteoma, osteoid osteoma,
osteoblastoma, ossifying fibroma and aneurysmal
bone cyst can also involve the TMJ.
 Malignant primary bone neoplasms are extremely
rare in TMJ but include chondrosarcoma and
osteogenic sarcoma.
 There also can be extension of tumors from adjacent
structures into the TMJ.

Imaging of TMJ

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