MRI of the temporo-mandibular joint: which sequence is best suited to assess the cortical bone of the mandibular condyle? A cadaveric study using micro-CT as the standard of reference

European Radiology volume 22, pages1579–1585(2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective

To determine the best suited sagittal MRI sequence out of a standard temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) imaging protocol for the assessment of the cortical bone of the mandibular condyles of cadaveric specimens using micro-CT as the standard of reference.

Methods

Sixteen TMJs in 8 human cadaveric heads (mean age, 81 years) were examined by MRI. Upon all sagittal sequences, two observers measured the cortical bone thickness (CBT) of the anterior, superior and posterior portions of the mandibular condyles (i.e. objective analysis), and assessed for the presence of cortical bone thinning, erosions or surface irregularities as well as subcortical bone cysts and anterior osteophytes (i.e. subjective analysis). Micro-CT of the condyles was performed to serve as the standard of reference for statistical analysis.

Results

Inter-observer agreements for objective (r = 0.83-0.99, P < 0.01) and subjective (κ = 0.67-0.88) analyses were very good. Mean CBT measurements were most accurate, and cortical bone thinning, erosions, surface irregularities and subcortical bone cysts were best depicted on the 3D fast spoiled gradient echo recalled sequence (3D FSPGR).

Conclusion

The most reliable MRI sequence to assess the cortical bone of the mandibular condyles on sagittal imaging planes is the 3D FSPGR sequence.

Key Points

• MRI may be used to assess the cortical bone of the TMJ.

• Depiction of cortical bone is best on 3D FSPGR sequences.

• MRI can assess treatment response in patients with TMJ abnormalities.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank L. Völlmer, M. Studhalter, B. Werner and A. Jezler for their technical and logistical assistance.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    Christoph A. Karlo

  2. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Christoph A. Karlo, Thomas Kau, Helmut Watzal & Christian J. Kellenberger

  3. Clinic for Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Raphael Patcas, Luca Signorelli & Lukas Müller

  4. Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Oliver Ullrich

  5. Section of Orofacial Structures and Development, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Hans-Ulrich Luder

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  1. Christoph A. Karlo
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  2. Raphael Patcas
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  3. Thomas Kau
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  4. Helmut Watzal
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  7. Oliver Ullrich
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  9. Christian J. Kellenberger
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Correspondence to Christoph A. Karlo.

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Karlo, C.A., Patcas, R., Kau, T. et al. MRI of the temporo-mandibular joint: which sequence is best suited to assess the cortical bone of the mandibular condyle? A cadaveric study using micro-CT as the standard of reference. Eur Radiol 22, 1579–1585 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2391-8

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Keywords

  • Mandibular condyle
  • MRI
  • Micro-CT
  • TMJ
  • JIA