TACTICS OF CHOOSING DIAGNOSTIC METHODS FOR PATIENTS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DEFORMITY

Deformities of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are a complex interdisciplinary problem affecting orthopedic dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and radiation diagnostics. The choice of an adequate diagnostic tactic determines the effectiveness of subsequent treatment and the prognosis of the disease. The purpose of this article is to systematize modern approaches to the choice of diagnostic methods for patients with TMJ deformity, taking into account the clinical picture, functional state, morphological changes and the stage of the pathological process. The article discusses clinical, instrumental and radiological examination methods, their diagnostic value, indications and limitations. Special attention is paid to the algorithm of choosing research methods depending on the type of deformity — bone, disc, functional or combined. A step-by-step diagnostic protocol is proposed to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and optimize the treatment strategy.