The relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue in TMJ using a T2-weighted MRI

ABSTRACT

TMJ retrodiscal tissue in T2-weighted MRI as diagnostic marker of temporomandibular disorder(TMD). 58 temporomandibular joints from 29 TMD patients (14 men and 15 women) were evaluated. The relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue in T2-weighted MRI was referenced to brain gray matter same size of the region of interest(ROI). The collected data was compared to disc positions (normal, anterior disc displacement with reduction, anterior disc displacement without reduction), the presence of joint effusion. The relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue was significantly increased when the disc was displaced without reduction. And the relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue was significantly increased when joint effusion was present. The results suggest that evaluating the relative signal intensity of TMJ retrodiscal tissue using a T2-weighted MRI is valuable as a non-invasive tool for diagnosing the procession of TMD.