Exploring the potential of MRI studies in assessing risks during arthroscopy - insights on maxillary artery encounter

The anatomy and variability of the maxillary artery have been extensively studied through cadaveric dissections and CT angiography, revealing diverse courses of its terminal branches. These studies underscore the importance of understanding regional anatomy, particularly in surgical contexts such as intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroplasty, where proximity to the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa poses risks of complications. MRI offers distinct advantages in visualizing soft tissues critical to TMJ function, surpassing conventional imaging modalities like orthopantomography in providing detailed anatomical insights. This study aims to assess the risk of iatrogenic damage to the maxillary artery during arthroscopic procedures using MRI scans. A total of 42 patients, comprising both sexes and varying ages, underwent MRI at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Louis Pasteur in Košice. Imaging protocols were standardized on a Toshiba Atlas 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, ensuring consistent quality with a slice thickness of 6 mm and standardized imaging matrices. Measurements of the maxillary artery's proximity to anatomical landmarks were conducted in axial and parasagittal sections to delineate precise anatomical relationships.