MR Evidence of Characteristics in Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint: Increased Signal Intensity Ratio on Proton Density-Weighted Images of Bone Marrow in the Mandibular Condyle

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the presence of pain and a correlation between pain and characteristics of signal intensity of mandibular bone marrow in temporomandibular joints (TMJ) with osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 196 joints in 98 patients with TMJ disorders were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A pain score and signal intensity on mandibular bone marrow were analyzed in the TMJ with OA. TMJ with OA showed a higher degree of pain compared to those without (p<0.05). During opening, the joints in the higher signal intensity group showed a significantly higher degree of pain compared to the joints in the lower signal intensity group in those with OA on proton density weighted images (p<0.05). It was concluded that TMJ with osteoarthritis is related to pain and that a symptomatic osteoarthritic TMJ can accompany bone marrow changes in the condyle, showing an increased signal on proton density weighted images.

Evaluation of the relationships between contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance characteristics and joint pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders

“…Our results were consistent with those of Farina et al [22]. However, other reports have demonstrated a correlation between these findings [49,56]. Thus, the correlations between disk positional changes, presence of joint effusion, condylar bone marrow edema, and TMJ pain have yielded controversial results.…”

Signal intensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images of condylar marrow changes correspond with slight pain in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

“…1). The size of the ROI and its position were determined according to the method of Yajima et al [15]. A 5.9-mm 2 ROI was placed in the temporal component, as close as possible to the mandibular condyle on a line running perpendicular to its length.…”

Interpretation of images and discrepancy between osteoarthritic findings and symptomatology in temporomandibular joint

“…In a recent study, we found that symptomatic osteoarthritic TMJ could accompany bone marrow change in the upper portion of the condyle, adjacent to osseous changes, showing increased signals on proton density images [60].…”