Diagnostic accuracy of planar, single photon emission computed tomography [SPECT] imaging and conventional radiography of temporomandibular joint [TMJ] disorders

ABSTRACT

Planar and SPECT bone scintigraphy were performed on fifteen patients with different age and sex. They complained from various disorders in TMJ and they were selected from outpatients-dental clinic, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medical, Cairo University SPECT imaging of TMJ pathos is confirmed by the clinical signs and symptoms and radiographic studies. From the result, it was found that 70% of the patient TMJ had positive SPECT scans for osseous while the other 30% were negative which can be detected by other modalities as arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]. It can be concluded that SPECT scintigraphy is a sensitive accurate indicator of the TMJ disorders that can detect and stage the metabolic disorders of the TMJ and can depict some organic changes of the joint that are not apparent radiographically. Also, can differentiate the active from arrested TMJ disease