Temporomandibular joint structures: a comparison between anatomic and magnetic resonance findings in a coronal and an angulated coronal plane

Two temporomandibular joints from one specimen were investigated using magnetic resonance imaging and cryosectioning. Magnetic resonance images, photography of the tissue block surface, and on-tape histologic sections were compared. The left joint was imaged and sectioned in a coronal plane, and the right joint in an angulated coronal plane parallel to the long axis of the condyle. The temporomandibular joint disc could be seen in coronal and angulated coronal scans. The posterior band was imaged in angulated coronal magnetic resonance scans throughout the temporomandibular joint both medically and laterally. In coronal scans only parts of the disc proper could be seen, depending on the level of imaging or sectioning. The densely plaited fibrous tissue of the intra-articular tissues could be seen in magnetic resonance imaging, primarily anterior to the condyle; this tissue corresponded to the low signal intensity in magnetic resonance imaging. Medical and lateral disc attachments as well as the temporomandibular joint capsule were imaged in some of the magnetic resonance scans in both the coronal and the angulated coronal scans. In diagnosing anteromedial, medial, and lateral disc displacements, angulated coronal temporomandibular joint scanning is preferred over coronal scanning.