What is considered the image of choice for soft-tissue assessment of the TMJ?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered the image of choice for soft-tissue assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to its superior ability to visualize soft tissue structures, including cartilage, ligaments, and muscles, in addition to depicting fluid findings associated with pathology. MRI provides excellent contrast resolution, allowing for detailed assessment of conditions such as disc displacement, internal derangements, and other soft tissue abnormalities without the limitations of ionizing radiation.

In managing TMJ disorders, MRI's capability to capture both static and dynamic images plays a crucial role, as it can show changes in the TMJ during functional movements. This flexibility is essential for diagnosing conditions like anterior disc displacement, which may not be as readily apparent on other imaging modalities.

While Cone-beam CT provides high-resolution images of bony structures and is often utilized for the evaluation of osseous changes in the joint, it does not provide the soft tissue detail necessary for comprehensive TMJ soft-tissue analysis. Conventional CT is likewise focused on bony anatomy and lacks the soft-tissue contrast that MRI offers. Arthrography, though helpful for certain evaluations, is more invasive and typically provides less detail about the status of soft tissues compared to MRI.

Thus