Ultrasonography in the Investigation of Temporomandibular Joints: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

Ultrasonography (USG) can be considered as a useful method for rapid screening of patients with suspected temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). It is necessary to select USG parameters of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the masticatory muscles (MM) with unambiguous interpretation and to standardize them (determine the norm and reference points of measurement). Purpose of the study. To review the ultrasonographic parameters of the TMJ and masticatory muscles MM with unambiguous interpretation. Materials and methods. An analysis of the literature was carried out by processing scientific and metric bases, from which 26 articles were selected. Results. During the USG examination of the TMJ and MM, various parameters are determined, which can be conditionally divided into parameters with an unambiguous interpretation, and those that cause controversy. Based on the analysis of the scientific and practical literature, as well as our own experience, USG parameters with an unambiguous interpretation were selected, namely, the width of the joint space, the amplitude of condylar translation, the thickness of the MM at rest and during compression, the percentage of thickening of MM, the position of the articular disc when closed and open mouth, movement of the condyle during opening and closing the mouth, clarity and uniformity of the width of the subchondral-cartilaginous complex of the condyle. Conclusions. The literature review indicates an urgent need to standardize the USG protocol for TMJ and masticatory muscle examination by unifying clinically important USG parameters, determining their norm and gender characteristics.