Dynamic MRI of the TMJ under physical load

The objective of this study was to examine the kinematics of structures of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) under physiological load while masticating.

Radial MRI was chosen as a fast imaging method to dynamically capture the motions of the joint's anatomy. The technique included a golden ratio-based increment angle and a sliding window reconstruction. The measurements were performed on 22 subjects with and without deformation/displacement of the intra-articular disc while they were biting on a cooled caramel toffee.

The reconstructed dynamic images provided sufficient information about the size and localization of the disc as well as the change of the intra-articular distance with and without loading.

The feasibility of the golden ratio-based radial MRI technique to dynamically capture the anatomy of the TMJ under physical load was demonstrated in this initial study.