Clinical evaluation of internal joint derangement using sonography

Abstract

Objectives. Currently, the most precise method for imaging the soft tissue of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but this technique is often unavailable because of its high cost or is otherwise unsuitable. In the absence of complete information about the TMJ disc, treatment decisions are based only on the results of clinical exams and conventional radiography of TMJ hard tissues. This study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of high-resolution ultrasonography (HR-US) in the detection of TMJ disc displacement. Methods. MRI and sonography were performed on 16 TMJs in ten patients who were diagnosed with anterior disc displacement (ADD), and the fi ndings of the sonography and MRI examinations were compared. Results. All cases of ADD diagnosed by sonography were confi rmed by MRI. Conclusion. HR-US is a reliable technique for imaging the TMJ disc that can be used for TMJ diagnosis and treatment planning.

Correlation between articular eminence steepness measured with cone-beam computed tomography and clinical dysfunction index in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction

“…6,20,[22][23][24] In fact, MRI and ultrasonography are reliable techniques for imaging the TMJ disk that can be used for TMJ diagnosis and treatment planning. 37 In this study, disk position was not an element to be investigated. CT allows measuring articular eminence inclination accurately, 1 whereas its relatively high X-ray dosage and high cost make it unfavorable for evaluation of the temporal bone morphology.…”

MRI evaluation of the classification, frequency, and disc morphology of temporomandibular joint disc displacements: a multicenter retrospective study in a Turkish population

“…In line with previous studies [5,11,17], disc morphology was classified into six categories: biconcave (a disc with clearly identifiable posterior and anterior bands and a tapered intermediate zone), biplanar (a disc with equal thickness in all three parts), biconvex (a humped disc), enlargement in the posterior band (a disc in which the posterior band is thicker and longer anteroposteriorly), Yshaped, and folded (irregular; Fig. 6).…”

“…Moreover, for scientific studies, an objective diagnosis using imaging techniques must be reproducible, especially for prevalence studies [3]. To this end, various TMJ imaging techniques are used, including computerized tomography [4], sonography [5], arthrography [6], and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [7]. MRI is the most common and reliable imaging method of highlighting soft tissues without using ionizing radiation for classifying internal TMJ derangements and identifying the position and structure of the TMJ discs [7][8][9][10].…”

Imaging diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint: critical review of indications and new perspectives

“…High-resolution US of the TMJ is a valuable diagnostic imaging method that can be an alternative to MRI [4,87]. However, further studies are needed to reduce false-negative results [4] (Fig.…”