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Quantitative assessment of temporomandibular disc and masseter muscle with shear wave elastography

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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the normal stiffness values of temporomandibular joint disc (TMJ) and masseter muscle by shear wave elastography (SWE) in a healthy adult population. This may be helpful in diagnosing and understanding the mechanism of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods

This prospective study evaluated a total of 160 healthy adult volunteers (77 males, 83 females). The stiffness values of anterior, intermediate and posterior parts of the TMJ disc and masseter muscle were measured. Study cohort was classified into four groups based on age. Additionally, we investigated the changes in mean shear wave elasticity (kPa) and shear wave velocity(m/s) values of disc parts and masseter muscle in closed and open mouth positions, and the correlation of these SWE values with age and gender.

Results

Mean stiffness values of the disc were 37.02 ± 23.75 kPa and 3.28 ± 1.09 m/s in the anterior part, 30.47 ± 18.89 kPa and 2.97 ± 1.04 m/s in the intermediate part, 22.61 ± 13.97 kPa and 2.55 ± 0.88 m/s in the posterior part. Stiffness values showed significant decrease in the posterior part compared to the rest of the disc both in males and females. No significant differences in mean stiffness values of masseter muscle related to mouth position, age or gender.

Conclusion

This study provides the normative quantitative elasticity values of disc and masseter muscle which could be a reference point for upcoming studies. Disc elasticity values are higher in women than men. Maybe this is one of the reason why TMD is more common in women. TMJ disc stiffness was significantly lower in the posterior part. SWE is a useful imaging method that can be used with routine ultrasonography in evaluation of the TMJ disc and masticatory muscles .

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Private Varisson Radiology Center, Yeşilbahçe Mah. Metin Kasapoğlu Cad. No: 42/A, 07160, Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey

    H. Arioz Habibi

  2. Department of Radiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Alaeddin Keykubat Yerleşkesi, Akademi Mah. Yeni Istanbul Street. No:369, Konya, Turkey

    M. Ozturk

  3. Department of Radiology, Ministry of Health, Kartal Lutfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey

    E. Caliskan

  4. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Selcuk University Faculty of Dentistry, Alaeddin Keykubat Yerleşkesi, Akademi Mah. Yeni Istanbul Street. No:369, Konya, Turkey

    M. Turan

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  1. H. Arioz Habibi
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Habibi, H.A., Ozturk, M., Caliskan, E. et al. Quantitative assessment of temporomandibular disc and masseter muscle with shear wave elastography. Oral Radiol 38, 49–56 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11282-021-00524-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11282-021-00524-8

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