Degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) exhibit wide clinical and structural variability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the reference method for comprehensive TMJ evaluation, as it enables simultaneous visualization of osseous and soft tissues. The aim of this study was to identify and describe MRI imaging features observed in patients with degenerative and inflammatory TMJ diseases, as well as their association with clinical findings reported in the literature. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook recommendations and PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in the Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and studies involving humans aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of degenerative or inflammatory TMJ diseases evaluated by MRI were selected. Seventeen studies were included, comprising a total of 1,644 subjects and 3,288 temporomandibular joints. The most frequent imaging finding was disc displacement, with a predominance of displacement without reduction, followed by joint effusion and disc morphological alterations. At the osseous level, the most prevalent changes were osteophyte formation, condylar deformity, and condylar erosion. The association between imaging findings and clinical symptoms was variable, with significant structural alterations observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic joints. MRI allows accurate identification of structural and functional TMJ alterations associated with degenerative and inflammatory diseases. However, imaging findings do not always correlate with clinical presentation; therefore, their interpretation should be integrated with clinical evaluation.

KEY WORDS: Magnetic resonance imaging; Degenerative disease; Temporomandibular joint.