OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a new method for the 3-dimensional reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) images by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In a preliminary study, this modality of 3-D representation was tested to evaluate the joint motion. STUDY DESIGN: Sagittal MRI slices were obtained from a healthy subject. Acquisitions were realized by a spin-echo sequence, with a proton-density weighting and a 2-mm slice thickness. A 3-D reconstruction of the TMJ images was performed. RESULTS: Three-dimensional representations of the temporomandibular joint were obtained. The depiction of the principal anatomical elements of this joint was realized. A study of TMJ dynamics was also carried out. In this case, movements of the right and left disks and condyles were measured. CONCLUSION: This 3-D reconstruction methodology allowed a more understandable anatomical description than 2-D images of the TMJ and offered possibilities for joint functional analysis. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.