Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 2s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. C. Satheesh.
ch.satheesh@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  The aim of this study is to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (articular disc) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Materials & Methods: This study was undertaken at the inpatient and outpatient units in the Division of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, Rajah Muthiah Dental College & Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram from June 2008 to November 2009. We evaluated 7 patients who were symptomatic by performing bilateral Magnetic Resonance Imaging in both open and closed mouth positions. Results: In the present study, all the patients except one patient had internal derangement on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in both open and closed mouth positions. We evaluated deformities and displacement of the articular disc and osseous changes of the condylar head. Four joints of symptomatic patients with moderate to severe pain had progressive joint disease with the diagnosis of non-reducible discs with no degenerative changes. Four joints of symptomatic patients with mild to moderate pain had joint disease with the diagnosis of reducible discs with no degenerative changes. One case of a clinically diagnosed case of dysfunction did not show any signs of disc displacement and diffusion on MRI. Conclusion: In this study, we concluded that this diagnostic modality could have a vital role to diagnose and evaluate the components of the joint and their relationships with each other in normalcy and disease.

Keywords: Temporomandibular joint, Magnetic Resonance Imaging.