Assessment of Injuries of Tempo ro-Mandibular Joint by MRI

Abstract

Background: The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries has been a mainstay. Since it can non-invasively showing major regional anatomic structures and revealing the presence of joint effusion and bone marrow signal-intensity abnormalities. Aim of Study:To elucidate the role of MRI in the diagnosis of TMJ injuries and for which extent MRI is able to detect its abnormalities.Patients and Methods: A total of 43 patients with TMJ injuries were included in the study. A 1.5 tesla MRI machine is used to assess the TMJs. The position of the disc, its configuration, the presence or absence of joint effusion, osteoarthritis, and the morphology of the mandibular condyle were all evaluated.Results: The clinical symptoms of the patients there were higher of symptoms in sensation of pain (86%); followed by limited mouth opening (44.2%). The patients anterior disc dislocation with reduction was higher value was found in patients' injuries of temporomandibular joint 17 patients (39.5%) with p-value <0.001 highly significant, followed by 8 patients (18.6%) in anterior disc dislocation with no reduction when opening the mouth, with p-value 0.003 significant. The patient's degenerative changes of the disc with signal intensity was higher value was found in patients' injuries of temporomandibular joint 31 patients (72.1%) with p-value <0.001 highly significant, followed by 16 patients (37.2%) in degenerative changes of the disc with disc shape, with p-value 0.001 significant. The patients other finding with osteoarthritic change was higher value was found in patients' injuries of temporomandibular joint 13 patients (30.2%) with p-value <0.001 highly significant, followed by 7 patients (16.3%) in hypermobility, with p-value 0.006 significant, all these results indicate a strong relationship in the assessment by MRI. Conclusion:Disc displacement or internal disc derangement is the most prevalent disorder. MRI is the proper diagnostic modality for TMJ disorders due to non-invasive technique, excellent soft tissue contrast and multi-planner capabilities.