American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Arthrography is often considered the gold standard imaging technique for evaluating soft tissue or disk position, particularly in cases where MRI is contraindicated. This technique involves the injection of a contrast agent into the joint space, which enhances the visibility of the structures within the joint during imaging. This provides detailed information about the position of soft tissues, such as the articular disc in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and can identify issues like displacement or degeneration.

Using arthrography allows for a better assessment of both the hard and soft tissues, which is crucial in diagnosing conditions associated with the TMJ. While other imaging techniques like CT and X-rays can provide information about the bony structures and are useful for assessing bone integrity and abnormalities, they do not offer the same level of detail concerning soft tissue structures. Ultrasound, although useful for some soft tissue evaluations, is not as definitive as arthrography for detailed joint assessments. Therefore, arthrography stands out in situations where MRI cannot be used, making it the preferred method for evaluating the soft tissues or disk position in such scenarios.