T2 relaxation times of the retrodiscal tissue in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders and healthy volunteers: A comparative study

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2019

Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology

Author(s): Naoya Kakimoto, Hiroaki Shimamoto, Jira Kitisubkanchana, Tomomi Tsujimoto, Yurie Senda, Yuri Iwamoto, Rinus G. Verdonschot, Yoko Hasegawa, Shumei Murakami

Abstract

Objective

The aims of this study were to compare temporomandibular joint (TMJ) retrodiscal tissue T2 relaxation times between patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and asymptomatic volunteers and to assess their diagnostic potential.

Study Design

Patients with TMD (n = 173) and asymptomatic volunteers (n = 17) were examined using a 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. The imaging protocol consisted of oblique sagittal T2-weighted eight-echo fast spin echo sequences in a closed mouth position. Retrodiscal tissue T2 relaxation times were obtained. Additionally, disc location and reduction, disc configuration, joint effusion, osteoarthritis, and bone edema or osteonecrosis were classified using MR images. The T2 relaxation times of each group were statistically compared.

Results

Retrodiscal tissue T2 relaxation times were significantly longer in patient groups than in asymptomatic volunteers (p < 0.01). T2 relaxation times were significantly longer in all of the morphological categories. The most important variables affecting retrodiscal tissue T2 relaxation times were disc configuration, joint effusion, and osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

Retrodiscal tissue T2 relaxation times of patients with TMD were significantly longer than those of healthy volunteers. This finding may lead to the development of a diagnostic marker to aid in the early detection of TMDs.

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