Related Experiment Videos
Magnetic resonance arthrography of the temporomandibular joint
1The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Aichi-Gakuin University School of Dentistry, Nagoya, Japan. toyama@dpc.aichi-gakin.ac.jp
Purpose:
This study evaluated the usefulness of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRAr) in imaging the pathologic temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Patients And Methods:
Thirteen TMJs of 11 patients with chronic TMJ pain and disability were examined with MRAr. T1-weighted and T2-weighted first spin-echo sequence with fat suppression images were obtained after the intra-articular injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine.
Results:
The disc, the posterior attachment, and the presence of perforations and adhesions were evaluated in each image. All of these anatomic and pathologic structures were clearly detected.
Conclusion:
MRAr appears to be a promising imaging modality in detecting adhesions and perforations in the TMJ. The MRAr findings simplified the decision of whether a patient should undergo surgery.
Insights
Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRAr) effectively images temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology, including disc issues and adhesions. This imaging helps determine if TMJ surgery is necessary.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders cause chronic pain and disability.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosing TMJ internal derangements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRAr) for TMJ pathology.
- To assess MRAr's effectiveness in visualizing key TMJ structures and abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- MRAr was performed on 13 TMJs in 11 patients with chronic TMJ pain.
- T1-weighted and T2-weighted fat-suppressed images were acquired post-gadolinium injection.
Main Results:
- MRAr clearly visualized the TMJ disc, posterior attachment, perforations, and adhesions.
- All evaluated anatomical and pathological structures were detected with high fidelity.
Conclusions:
- MRAr is a promising imaging technique for identifying TMJ adhesions and perforations.
- MRAr findings aid in surgical decision-making for TMJ disorders.