Imaging of Temporomandibular Joint: Approach by Direct Volume Rendering

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a morphological analysis of the temporomandibular joint, a highly specialized synovial joint that permits movement and function of the mandible. Materials and Methods:We have studied the temporomandibular joint anatomy, directly on the living, from 3D images obtained by medical imaging Computed Tomography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance acquisition, and subsequent re-engineering techniques 3D Surface Rendering and Volume Rendering. Data were analysed with the goal of being able to isolate, identify and distinguish the anatomical structures of the joint, and get the largest possible number of information utilizing software for post-processing work.results: It was possible to reproduce anatomy of the skeletal structures, as well as through acquisitions of Magnetic Resonance Imaging; it was also possible to visualize the vascular, muscular, ligamentous and tendinous components of the articular complex, and also the capsule and the fibrous cartilaginous disc. We managed the Surface Rendering and Volume Rendering, not only to obtain three-dimensional images for colour and for resolution comparable to the usual anatomical preparations, but also a considerable number of anatomical, minuter details, zooming, rotating and cutting the same images with linking, graduating the colour, transparency and opacity from time to time.conclusion: These results are encouraging to stimulate further studies in other anatomical districts. DVR is a visualization technique that allows, for example, to display all the unknown information in three-dimensional data sets of CT [9],, and reducing margin of error (p < 001) in comparison to axial, shaded surface display ad maximum intensity projection [13,14].Previously, we tested direct volume rendering on various region of human body; these studies permitted to obtain high quality images that meliorated the knowledge of gross anatomy. In particular, we studied organs with homogeneous tissues, such as brain, succeeding to separate and visualize only white matter or only gray matter; furthermore, we studied knee and ankle joint visualizing ligament or muscle or bone, separately or contemporarily [15,16].Ishimaru et al., have described some methods for the application of volume rendering to temporomandibular joint study, using a[

In Vivo Computed Tomography Direct Volume Rendering of the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery: A Descriptive Anatomical Study

“…15 The application of preoperative imaging techniques allows to obtain information about the development of the paranasal sinuses, variants of pneumatization, as well as anatomical variants of the vessels in relation to the adjacent rhino-ethmoidal structures, thus allowing accurate surgical planning and increasing safety in rhino-sinusal endoscopic surgical procedures. [16][17][18] During the last decades, the development of many postprocessing techniques and the modulation of the image presets have allowed for subject-and condition-based interpretations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography 42 and computed tomography (CT) data, [43][44][45] thus providing the real 3D morphology of several structures and better highlighting anatomical details. In this regard, the direct volume rendering (DVR) is a direct technique to visualize primitive volumes without any intermediate conversion of the volume data to surface presentation.…”

Virtual implant planning and fully guided implant surgery using magnetic resonance imaging—Proof of principle

“…MRI has the capability to display the intraoral anatomy relevant for implant planning without the use of ionizing radiation (Flügge et al, 2016; Hövener et al, 2012; Ludwig et al, 2016). With regard to dentistry, the clinical use of MRI is so far limited to imaging of the temporomandibular joint and soft tissue neoplasms of the oral cavity and skull (Cuccia, Caradonna, Bruschetta, Vaccarino, Milardi, 2014; Liedberg, Panmekiate, Petersson, Rohlin, 1996; Mosier, 2015). Several groups have worked on the application of MRI in dentistry and focused on the display of dental hard and soft tissues in high‐resolution images by using dedicated coils (Bracher et al, 2011; Gruwel et al, 2007; Idiyatullin et al, 2011; Tymofiyeva et al, 2009; Weiger et al, 2012; Idiyatullin et al, 2014; Tymofiyeva et al, 2008).…”

Multidisciplinary team in temporomandibular disorders

“… Abstract

Introduction The temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are one of the main concerns regarding orofacial pathologies and there are an ascending number of cases. They are characterised as a group of pathological conditions that may affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the masticatory musculature and/or other adjacent anatomical structures, leading to pain and dysfunction [ 1 ]. The multifactorial aetiology of TMD affects a relatively large number of the world population and requires a multidisciplinary evaluation and diagnosis by the clinical team [ 2 ].

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