OBJECTIVE: the aim of this paper is to review the literature concerning the reliability and applicability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal disorders. METHODS: articles that have used TMJ from cadavers to compare MRI findings with anatomic findings, as well as some papers that have compared clinical findings with MRI findings were evaluated. According to the findings identified on these articles, the MRI sensitivity and specificity properties for the TMJ internal disorders diagnosis were calculated. Then, the MRI reliability and applicability for the TMJ internal disorders diagnosis were discussed. RESULTS: 90% of sensitivity and 88% of specificity were found. CONCLUSION: the TMJ MRI presents good sensitivity and specificity for the TMJ internal disorders diagnosis. But dentists should beware and request this exam only in cases where MRI will be essential to the treatment planning.
Magnetic resonance imaging; Sensitivity; Specificity
