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To compare clinical and imaging results of two needles arthrocentesis (TNA) versus double-needle cannula arthrocentesis (DNCA) in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disc displacement (DD).Twenty patients with DD were randomly divided into two groups: TNA and DNCA. Clinical data (pain scores; maximal interincisal distance [MID], and protrusion and laterality movements) were evaluated before and 24 months after the arthrocentesis. Disc and condyle position and joint effusion (JE) were evaluated by magnetic resonance exams.Both groups presented improvement in the MID, including pain reduction, modifications in disc and condyle positions, and reduction of the presence of JE, without difference between groups (Both TNA and DNCA are efficient in promoting improvement in the MID: reduction in pain, modifications in disc and condyle positions, and, in part, may account for less JE, without difference between techniques.

OBJECTIVES: Arthrocentesis is the simplest surgical intervention for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It can be performed on an outpatient basis at a low cost and with low morbidity. The objective is to release the articular disc by disrupting the adhesion formed between its surfaces and the mandibular fossa through hydraulic pressure generated by irrigation of the upper compartment of the TMJ. Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid during or after arthrocentesis improves clinical outcomes, increases mouth opening, and reduces pain levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation through clinical examination and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in patients with unilateral disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). METHODS: This analytical retrospective cross-sectional study clinically and radiologically evaluated 72 patients of both sexes with unilateral DDwoR. The following data were collected: sex, pain, age, duration of pain, maximum mouth opening, and patient pain perception on a visual analog scale. TMJ arthrocentesis was performed only once for each of the indicated joints. Data were collected before arthrocentesis (baseline) and at 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 180 days after the procedure (final evaluation). RESULTS: Between the baseline and final evaluation, there was a significant reduction in pain (p=0.001) and restoration of articular function. In addition, there was a significant increase in maximum mouth opening (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with DDwoR undergoing arthrocentesis combined with hyaluronic acid injection showed significant improvement in the perceived pain and maximum mouth opening in the mid-term follow-up periods.

Objective To compare different temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis techniques with needles arranged in two different patterns. Materials and methods Two groups of TMJ arthrocentesis techniques were studied: group 1, with the classic positioning of the needles; and group 2, with a parallel positioning of the needles. Clinical data (patient’s pain perception and mandibular movements) were evaluated before and 18 months after arthrocentesis. The duration of the procedure was also recorded. Results Forty patients were equally and randomly divided into the two groups. The paired Student’s t-test showed that both arthrocentesis procedures reduced the intensity of patient pain perception and improved mandibular movements (maximal interincisal distance, protrusion, and laterality) with statistically significant differences between the evaluations before and after the TMJ arthrocentesis (p Conclusion Both arthrocentesis procedures reduced the intensity of patient pain perception and improved mandibular movements. The two-needle TMJ arthrocentesis with parallel positioning of the second needle was performed more quickly, and should be chosen whenever possible.

Purpose To compare the clinical efficacy of the conventional double puncture versus single puncture type 2 arthrocentesis for management of temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). Materials and methods Twenty-six patients with DDWOR were randomly and blindly allocated into two treatment groups (N = 13): Group 1, conventional double puncture arthrocentesis; Group 2, single puncture type 2 arthrocentesis. Data on gender, side of painful joint complaint, age (years), duration of joint pain (months), maximum interincisal distance (MID – mm), and pain intensity self-reported with a visual analog scale (VAS; 0–10) were collected. VAS scores and MID were measured before (baseline) and 6 months after arthrocentesis (final). Results Both techniques resulted in significantly reduced VAS scores and increased MID (p = 0.001) after 180 days. However, there were no statistically significant differences between techniques (p > 0.05). Conclusions The two arthrocentesis methods tested were effective in reducing VAS scores and increasing MID in patients with DDWOR.

Objective To perform a systematic review of the viscosupplementation effectiveness with hyaluronic acid (HA) in the articular Temporomandibular Dysfunctions (TMDs) clinical management. Method Electronic searches were performed in the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, BBO, SIGLE (System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec). Only randomized clinical trials that evaluated the intra-articular administration of HA or its derivatives in osteoarthritis and/or anterior displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc were included. The primary outcomes evaluated were patients' self-report of pain and/or discomfort in the TMJ. Each study was assessed for the risk of bias, using the Cochrane collaboration's risk of bias tool. Results A total of 640 studies were obtained in the electronic search. After the application of the eligibility criteria, manual search, and duplicate removal, 21 articles were included. Five articles classified their volunteers with internal derangements of the TMJ, in 4 articles the treatment was directed to participants with disc displacement with reduction and the other articles evaluated HA therapy in osteoarthritis. The protocols presented heterogeneity, varying in the form of application, associated or not with arthrocentesis, number of applications, molecular weight, dose and concentration. Nine studies presented high risk of bias. Conclusion Due to the heterogeneity and methodological inconsistencies of the studies evaluated, it was not possible to establish the efficacy of HA in articular TMDs.

To evaluate joint effusion and positioning of the articular disc through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after two different arthrocentesis techniques.Twenty-six patients with dislocation of the articular disc without reduction (ADDwoR) were included and randomly divided into two groups: single needle arthrocentesis with distention of the upper compartment of the TMJ (A1) and conventional arthrocentesis with 2 needles (A2).A statistically significant difference was observed between the different effusion categories (Conventional arthrocentesis was able to change the effusion variable, whereas the single needle arthrocentesis was not. Both techniques were responsible for altering the position of the mandibular head or the disc-head complex, projecting them to a more anterior position related to the increase in the final maximum interincisal distance.

Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive technique that replaces synovial fluid by intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA). Although effective in some joints, there is not conclusive evidence regarding temporomandibular disorders. This case series described the efficacy of a viscosupplementation protocol in intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. Ten patients with a diagnosis of disc displacement and/or osteoarthritis by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were submitted to four monthly injections of low or medium molecular weight HA. Pain, mandibular function, image analysis by tomography and magnetic resonance, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and follow-ups (1 and 6 months). Pain, jaw range-of-motion, mandibular function, and quality of life improved at follow-up evaluations. Osteoarthritis changes decreased, and 20% of patients improved mandibular head excursion after treatment. Resolution of effusion and improvement in disc morphology were observed for most patients. This viscosupplementation protocol reduced pain and symptoms associated with internal derangement of temporomandibular joint, improved quality of life, and showed benefits from both low and medium molecular weight HA in alternate cycles.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation among age, gender and the number of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) findings.The records from 228 patients with TMD were analyzed for the presence of these findings: morphological changes, disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and without reduction (DDWOR), bone edema, effusion, and avascular necrosis. Statistical analyses were conducted using multinomial regression with a 5% significance level.DDWR was the most frequent finding. Group 1 was composed of 94 patients (41.22%), Group 2, of 67 patients (29.38%), and Group 3, of 67 patients (29.38%). Men were significantly less likely to belong to Group 3 than women (Women were shown to be more susceptible to developing a higher number of concomitant conditions than men, and the number of findings tended to increase with age.

Objective: To correlate the clinical aspects of symptomatic patients with chronic articular disc displacement with reduction with alterations in the articular disc (AD) morphology and sagit...

Several treatments have been suggested to correct dentofacial abnormalities, including orthognathic surgery. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the impact of orthognathic surgery on patient satisfaction, overall quality of life, quality of life related to oral health—and to orthognathic surgery in particular—among adult patients. Two investigators independently reviewed the available literature in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, Trip, and Google Scholar (gray literature) based on the keywords “orthognathic surgery” and “quality of life.” An analysis of bias was performed based on the MINORS (methodological index for nonrandomized studies). A total of 245 relevant studies were retrieved from the databases, and 6 additional studies were located after a manual search of the references. Following selection based on titles, abstracts, and full-text analysis, 30 studies were included in the present systematic review. To evaluate quality of life before and after orthognathic surgery, 12 studies applied the surgery-related Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), 12 used the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and 4 used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Orthognathic surgery results in improvements in quality of life both physically and psychosocially after surgery and is associated with high rates of patient satisfaction.

Objective: To evaluate the presence of joint effusion and morphology of the articular disc (AD) viewed in the sagittal plane in patients with disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and to correlat...

The objective of this study was to analyse the correlation between the gender and age of individuals with arthrogenic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. A total of 199 patients were included in the study and were divided into four age groups: group A, ≤30 years; group B, 31-44 years; group C, 45-55 years; group D, ≥56 years. MRI scans were analysed for the presence or absence of the following conditions: morphological changes in the mandibular condyle and/or articular tubercle, disc displacement with (DDWR) and without reduction (DDWoR), bone oedema, effusion, and avascular necrosis. Statistical analyses were conducted using logistic regression models (P

This research aims to examine the presence of osteophyte in patients with arthrogenic temporomandibular disorders through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); to investigate the influence of sex and clinical symptoms in its prevalence; and the position of the osteophytes in the condyle. The study was based on 100 MRI and on reports of patients, which corresponded to the evaluation of 200 joints. Patients of both sexes were aged from 18 to 82 years (average = 49.48) and were subjected to the aforementioned examination from January 2006 to March 2009. The assessment considered the type of disc displacement, the presence of effusion, bone marrow edema, condyle changes, joint noise and pain. The MRI machine used was the GE Signa HDX (General Electric, Milwaukee, WI), with T1 and T2-weighted, 1.5 T magnetic field, sagittal oblique (mouth closed, mouth open) and coronal (mouth closed) imaging, with spherical surface coil and an asymmetric matrix. All images were interpreted by an experienced radiologist. A total of 28% (n = 56) of the temporomandibular joints showed osteophytes on the anterior surface of the mandible. No relationship was found between sex and osteophytes. The authors found a statistically significant difference between osteophytes and disc displacement without reduction (P < 0.001). The presence of osteophytes suggested a possible cause and effect relationship between osteoarthritis and disc displacement without reduction; the osteophyte was always located in the anterior surface of condyle, regardless of the sex variable; no significant difference was found between osteophytes and the main complaints of the patient.

Disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) is one of the most common intra-articular disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Factors related to the etiology, progression and treatment of such condition is still a subject of discussion. This literature review aimed to address etiology, development, related factors, diagnosis, natural course, and treatment of DDWR. A non-systematic search was conducted within PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Medline, LILACS and Science Direct using the Medical Subjective Headings (MeSH) terms “temporomandibular disorders”, “temporomandibular joint”, “disc displacement” and “disc displacement with reduction”. No time restriction was applied. Literature reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and clinical trials were included. DDWR is usually asymptomatic and requires no treatment, since the TMJ structures adapt very well and painlessly to different disc positions. Yet, long-term studies have shown the favorable progression of this condition, with no pain and/or jaw locking occurring in most of the patients.

Objective: This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of arthrocentesis when varying the irrigation volume in patients with disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). Methods: Thirty DDW...

Objective The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with articular disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and to identify which clinical variables are associated with the concomitant presence of DDWR and MTrPs. Material and Methods 130 patients were selected that sought treatment due to joint pain, with ages ≥18 years, of both genders, with DDWR confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The sample was divided into two groups: Group 1, patients with DDWR and MTrPs (N=101); and Group 2, patients with DDWR and no MTrPs (N=29). Information on gender, age, pain duration, pain scores, and maximal interincisal distance (MID) were collected. The logistic regression model was used and the odds ratios (OR) was calculated (p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the use of the arthrocentesis in patients with disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). Two hundred and thirty-four (234) patients with DDWOR were evaluated and the following data collected: gender; affected side; age (years); duration of the pain (months); patient's perception of pain (measured by Visual Analogue Scale [VAS 0-10]); maximal interincisal distance (MID) (mm); and joint disc position, determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Data were obtained in two different moments: before the arthrocentesis (M1) and three or four months later (M2). Paired t-Student Test, Scores Test and Wilcoxon Test showed a statistical significant difference (p0.05). It can be concluded that the arthrocentesis is efficient in reducing the pain, in increasing interincisal distance, and altering the joint disc position in patients with DDWOR regardless gender, age side and pain duration.

The objective of this study was to compare single-needle arthrocentesis with distension of the upper compartment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the conventional two-needle arthrocentesis. Twenty-six patients with articular disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR) were included in the study and assigned to two groups (n=13): single-needle arthrocentesis with distension of the upper compartment of the TMJ (1N) and conventional two-needle arthrocentesis (2N). The maximum interincisal distance (MID) and TMJ pain as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) were compared. MID and VAS data were obtained: before (T1), seven days after (T2), fifteen days after (T3), one month after (T4), three months after (T5), six months after (T6), nine months after (T7), and one year after the arthrocentesis procedures (T8). Considering each group individually, results of the VAS scores and MID measurements showed a significant difference between T1 and T2–T8 (p<0.001) in both groups. Between two groups, results show no significant differences (p>0.05). Both techniques tested were effective in reducing pain and increasing MID. Due to the advantages over the conventional two-needle arthrocentesis, single-needle arthrocentesis with distension of the upper compartment should be considered as the first treatment option for patients with painful hypomobilized TMJ of DDWOR.

The aim of this study was to investigate the preoperative variables in patients with articular disk displacement without reduction that may influence the results of arthrocentesis on joint effusion (JE).The records of 203 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of unilateral painful disk displacement without reduction and JE, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and treated with arthrocentesis were selected. The following preoperative data were recorded: sex; age; joint side; pain duration; pain intensity, measurement with the visual analogue scale; and maximum interincisal distance (MID). All patients underwent a second MRI examination 3 to 4 months postoperatively to assess JE. The sample was then divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 160) comprised patients with no signs of JE; and group 2 (n = 43) comprised patients still showing signs of JE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the groups.Among the studied variables, pain duration (P = .0175), pain intensity (P .0001), and MID (P = .0085) were shown to affect arthrocentesis outcomes. The longer the pain duration (odds ratio [OR] = 0.930), the more intense was the pain (OR = 0.346), and the smaller the MID (OR = 0.562), the less were the chances of arthrocentesis completely eliminating JE.Pain duration, pain intensity, and MID can be used as predictors for the effect of arthrocentesis on JE outcomes and considered during treatment planning.

Background and Objectives. Chronic pain affects between 30% and 50% of the world population. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of chronic pain in Brazil, describe and compare differences between pain types and characteristics, and identify the types of therapies adopted and the impact of pain on daily life. Methods. Cross-sectional study of a population-based survey with randomized sample from a private database. The interviews were conducted by phone. 78% of the respondents aged 18 years or more agreed to be interviewed, for a total of 723 respondents distributed throughout the country. Independent variables were demographic data, pain and treatment characteristics, and impact of pain on daily life. Comparative and associative statistical analyses were conducted to select variables for nonhierarchical logistic regression. Results. Chronic pain prevalence was 39% and mean age was 41 years with predominance of females (56%). We found higher prevalence of chronic pain in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Pain treatment was not specific to gender. Dissatisfaction with chronic pain management was reported by 49% of participants. Conclusion. 39% of interviewed participants reported chronic pain, with prevalence of females. Gender-associated differences were found in intensity perception and interference of pain on daily life activities.

Introduction: The temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) it’s a collective expression that encompasses clinical alterations in chewing muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and/or associated estructures. The viscosuplementation (VS) is a minimally invasive technique which consistis of intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate (SH) for the improvement of lubrification and joint biomechanics and elimination or decrease of pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a series of cases, the efficacy of a viscosupplementation protocol with SH in different molecular weights, in the signs and syntptoms of joint TMJ and in patients’quality of life [1–3]. Materials and methods: this study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (CAAE-24911314.3.0000.5149) and registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-6759yz). Is a case series that describes the efficacy of a viscosupplementation protocol in intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. Ten patients with a diagnosis of disc displacement and/or osteoarthritis according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were submitted to four monthly injections of low or medium molecular weight HA. Pain, mandibular function, image analysis by tomography and magnetic resonance, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and follow-ups (1 and 6 months). Results: Pain, jaw range-of-motion, mandibular function, and quality of life improved at follow-up evaluations. Osteoarthritis changes decreased, and 20% of patients improved mandibular head excursion after treatment. Resolution of effusion and improvement in disc morphology were observed for most patients. This viscosupplementation protocol reduced pain and symptoms associated with internal derangement of temporomandibular joint, improved quality of life, and showed benefits from both low and medium molecular weight HA in alternate cycles. Discussion and conclusions: These results suggest the effectiveness of the VS protocol in the control and relief of the signs and symptoms of TMD, and the great therapeutic potential of this technique.

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and/or associated structures. Signs and symptoms include pain, joint sounds and/or joint dysfunction [1,2]. The aim of this study is to report the clinical case of a patient with TMD, articular disc sounds, associated with arthralgia. who underwent arthrocentesis with biodynamic irrigation and subsequent viscosupplementation in order to reestablish ATM biomechanics and promote pain relief. Materials and methods: Detailed clinical evaluation and examination of magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an anterior displacement with the attachment of the TMJ disc to the posterior wall of the articular tubercle. This was accompanied by joint sound and severe pain (VAS =7), difficulty in chewing, as well as decreased interincisal distance (28.06 mm), which lingered for more than 5 years. Treatment consisted of arthrocentesis under local anesthesia without sedation, with two needles technique, using a total volume of 200 mL of saline solution followed by synovial fluid replacement with 10 mL of 0.5% 1200 kDa molecular weight sodium hyaluronate solution (Viscoseal®) under joint manipulation. After this procedure, 1 mL of 1% 1000-2000 kDa molecular weight sodium hyaluronate solution (Osteonil®) (viscosupplementation) was performed. Oral pharmacological control with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic was also included. Results: Immediate results to therapy consisted of a increased mouth opening with a interincisal distance of 45.09 mm, reduction in joint sound, and restoration of mandibular movements. Supervised home physiotherapy was established in order to maintain function and mouth opening. The exercises were performed for 20 seconds, 3 times a day. After two months, significant progress was observed with gain of 17.03 mm in the interincisal distance, absence of pain (VAS = 0) and great decrease in right articular sound. Discussion and conclusions: Specifically in this case, this minimally invasive approach has shown successful clinical outcomes for arthralgia and biomechanical control of the temporomandibular joint. However, in the future, a larger case-control study is necessary to ascertain its promising potentialities

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To carry out a literature review on major orofacial neuropathic pains, their differential diagnosis and therapies. CONTENTS: Neuropathic pains may be classified as episodic or continuous. They may be unilateral and more infrequently bilateral. They may last for seconds, hours or days and may present as electrical shock or burning pain, favorably responding to pharmacological treatment. There are situations in which the first therapeutic choice is dental surgery and/or neurosurgery, especially in cases of malignancies. Without accurate diagnosis there is major possibility of poor results. Diagnosis is based on clinical history associated to pain quality, duration and clinical, surgical or combined therapeutic response. Additional exams may be needed in some cases, such as standard periapical radiography of the area to be investigated, panoramic X-rays, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance of the skull base for possible diagnostic confirmation. Treatment may be conservative using anticonvulsants associated or not to antidepressants, local anesthetic infiltration with or without steroid, and orofacial and neurosurgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Health professionals acting in the area of orofacial pain have to be able to establish the differential diagnosis of different neuropathic orofacial pains, since they may have similar clinical presentations involving a same facial territory in a same temporal space, responding differently to the same therapies. Understanding all of this makes available basically two favorable outcomes: improved quality of life or cure of existing neuropathic pain. RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre as principais dores orofaciais neuropáticas seu diagnóstico diferencial e as suas terapias. CONTEÚDO: As dores neuropáticas podem ser classificadas em episódicas ou continuas. Pode ter caráter unilateral e, mais raramente, de forma bilateral. Podem durar segundos, ou horas a dias. Ter uma natureza em choque elétrico, ou em queimação. Respondem, favoravelmente, ao emprego farmacológico. Há situações em que a primeira escolha terapêutica é a cirúrgica odontológica, e/ou neurocirúrgica principalmente nos casos de neoplasias. Sem o correto diagnóstico há grande possibilidade de um fraco resultado. Esse se baseia na história clínica associada à qualidade da dor, duração e a resposta terapêutica clínica, cirúrgica ou combinada. Pode ser necessário, em alguns casos, solicitar-se exames complementares, como radiografia periapical padrão da área a ser investigada, radiografia panorâmica, tomografia computadorizada e exame de ressonância nuclear magnética nuclear da base do crânio no intuito de uma possível confirmação diagnóstica. O tratamento pode ser clínico conservador utilizando anticonvulsivantes associados ou não a antidepressivos, infiltração anestésica local, com ou sem corticosteroide e procedimentos orofaciais e neurocirúrgicos. CONCLUSÃO: Os profissionais da área da saúde, que medeiam na área da dor orofacial, têm de serem capazes de estabelecer o diagnóstico diferencial das diferentes algias orofaciais neuropáticas, uma vez que podem apresentar quadros clínicos similares envolvendo um mesmo território facial em um mesmo espaço temporal, respondendo diferentemente as mesmas terapêuticas. A compreensão de tudo isso, disponibiliza basicamente dois desfechos favoráveis: a melhora da qualidade de vida do paciente ou a cura da dor neuropática presente.

Various etiologies are attributed to the development of subjective tinnitus, but their inter-relationship with the presence of temporomandibular disorders and depression is still poorly understood. To assess the presence of depressive symptoms in individuals with TMD and subjective tinnitus, assessing the impact on their quality of life. This is a cross-sectional observational descriptive study. We evaluated 44 patients in a public University. For TMD diagnosis as well as assessment of depressive symptoms, the RDC/TMD questionnaire was used. Otolaryngological assessment was conducted by means of pure tone, speech, and immitance audiometry. The “Tinnitus Handicap Inventory” questionnaire was also administered. 84% of the individuals with tinnitus had myofascial pain, with the masseter muscle being the most prevalent area of pain, and 16% exclusively had painful and/or degenerative TMJ changes. Among the patients with myofascial pain, 86,5% had depressive symptoms, while among those without myofascial pain, only 42,8% presented these symptoms. Eleven (11) patients (25%) reported slight impact of tinnitus on quality of life, 15 (34%) mild impact, 7 (16%) moderate, 7 (16%) severe, and 4 (9%) catastrophic impact. There was a positive association between the presence of myofascial pain and depressive symptoms (p=0,02), as the intensity of tinnitus increases and the severity of depressive symptoms (p

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the different imaging tests and their appropriate indications is crucial to establish the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders, especially in patients with overlapping signs and symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To present and assess the main diagnostic imaging tests for temporomandibular disorders and rationally discuss their indication criteria, advantages, and disadvantages. METHODS: Literature review in the Web of Knowledge, PubMed and SciELO databases, as well as manual search for relevant publications in reference lists of the selected articles. RESULTS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were considered the gold standard assessments for the temporomandibular joint to evaluate hard and soft tissues, respectively. Each diagnostic method exhibited distinct sensitivity and specificity for the different subtypes of joint dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Selecting an evaluation examination based on its accuracy, safety, and clinical relevance is a rational decision that can help lead to an accurate diagnosis and an optimum treatment plan. Resumo Introdução: O conhecimento dos distintos exames de imagem e sua correta indicação é fundamental para elaboração do diagnóstico das disfunções temporomandibulares, principalmente em pacientes com grande sobreposição de sinais e sintomas. Objetivo: Apresentar e avaliar os principais exames de diagnóstico por imagem das disfunções temporomandibulares, além de discutir racionalmente os seus critérios de indicação, vantagens e desvantagens. Método: Revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Web of Knowledge, PubMed e SciELO, além de busca manual por publicações relevantes nas listas de referências dos artigos selecionados. Resultado: Os exames de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética foram considerados ''padrão-ouro'' para a avaliação dos tecidos duros e moles, respectivamente, da articulação temporomandibular. Cada método de diagnóstico pesquisado apresentou sensibilidade e especificidade distintas para os diferentes subtipos de disfunção da articulação. Conclusão: Considera-se como racional a indicação fundamentada na acurácia, segurança e relevância clínica do exame a ser solicitado, o que implica na adequada determinação do diagnóstico e do plano de tratamento.