Comparison of reference points in different methods of temporomandibular joint imaging

ABSTRACTPurposeConventional radiography is a well-established method for imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structures. However, the dental computer tomography becomes more important for the visualization of teeth in the jaw-bone. The applicability of dental computer tomography for the visualization of the TMJ it not yet been proven. The aim of the study was to identify TMJ structures using reference points with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the computed tomography (CT).MethodsIn order to compare the visualization and measurement of the TMJ a total of eight human cadaver heads was examined with CT and MRI and analysed using reference points.ResultsIn both imaging techniques the selected reference points and distances are well definable and allow objective evaluation of anatomical structures. The CT images display a clearly better contrast to noise ratio than the MR images. The distance measurement of different width and length showed significant correlation of both images techniques.ConclusionsIn TMJ diagnostics, maximum information could be obtained using both imaging techniques together due to synergistic effects.