The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of panoramic radiography for diagnosis of temporomandibular joint. Five dry skulls were selected for this study and artificial osteophyte was attached to four different areas of the mandibular condylar head. And then, the author had taken panoramic radiographs with the head in conventional position, 25㎜ forward position and reverse position in mouth opening state. Three dental radiologists evaluated the radiographic images of osteophyte in 60 panoramic radiographs. The results were as follows: In conventional position, osteophyte on the anterolateral and anterocentral area of the condylar head was best seen (p<0.01). In 25㎜ forward position, osteophyte on the anterocentral and anteromedial area was best seen (p<0.05). In reverse position, osteophyte on the anterocentral area was best seen (p<0.05). Osteophyte on anteromedial area was better seen in 25㎜ forward position than in conventional position (p<0.05).