Background: The aims of this study were to determine the best suited magnetic resonance imaging scanning plane, scanning sequence, and imaging modality for the evaluation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and quantitatively assess the relationship of articular disk position to condyle position.
Methods: One hundred four TMJs in 52 symptom-free heads were examined by magnetic resonance imaging. The best scanning plane, scanning sequence, and scanning parameter were determined according to the imaging time and image quality. Bilateral symmetry of the articular disk and mandibular condyle was measured by using the automatic measurement of 3.0-T GE Excite Signa MR scanner.
Results: Fast spin-echo sequence, oblique sagittal imaging plane, and proton density imaging were the best suited scanning sequence, scanning planes, and imaging modality, respectively. The thicknesses of the anterior and posterior bands and for the intermediate zone were not statistically different for both sides. The posterior band of the disk was found to originate in an area adjacent to the 12-o'clock position of the condyle (± 5 degrees), whereas the anterior band of the disk originated adjacent to 1-o'clock position (28 ± 6 degrees). The anteroposterior diameter and mediolateral diameter of the condylar processes were not statistically different for both sides. The axial condylar angle between the plane of the greatest mediolateral diameter of the condylar processes and the midsagittal plane were also not statistically different for both sides.
Conclusions: The magnetic resonance images can depict clearly major regional anatomic structures and position in the TMJ, which can be used in the early diagnosis for the TMJ disorder.