2 imaging of tmj the primary step in diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint disorders tmd is clinical evaluation but special imaging modalities are needed to study the tmj due to the complexity in its anatomy and thereby the pathology there are various modalities of studying the tmj which can be invasive or non invasive invasive techniques such as arthrography and non. Mri evaluation of temporomandibular joint tmj magnetic resonance imaging mri is one of the most important diagnostic tools that we have in evaluation and diagnoses of tmj pathology in general t 1 mris are helpful in identifying disc position the presence of alteration in bone and soft tissue structures structure and interrelationships of the bony and soft tissue anatomy t 2 mris are more helpful in identifying inflammatory responses in the tmj the importance of disc position cannot . The temporomandibular joint tmj is an anatomically and biomechanically complex structure understanding how this structure grows and functions is essential to accurate radiographic evaluation this article discusses the anatomy function and growth and development of the tmj and how growth changes can affect the morphology of the craniofacial structures accordingly the radiographic appearance of the entities that may alter the tmj are discussed including developmental degenerative . Diagnostic imaging of the temporomandibular joint june 1 2005 by c grace petrikowski dds msc frcd c temporomandibular joint dysfunction tmd can affect a significant portion of the population1 clinical symptoms may include one or more of the following pain in the region of the temporomandibular joint tmj headaches earaches muscle