A popular diagnostic method of MRI of the temporomandibular joint is a non-invasive instrumental study of bones and soft tissues in the area where the distal mandible meets the base of the skull. Features of the anatomy of structures are an obstacle to diagnosis, and only the MRI method can reveal the causes of all arising joint dysfunctions.
In the diagnostic clinic "K+31" all types of diagnostics are performed, including the head, brain, joints, spine, neck vessels, abdominal organs and small pelvis, endocrine glands. Modern equipment allows you to get accurate results that contribute to the correct diagnosis and timely adequate treatment.
What is MRI of the temporomandibular joint, the essence of diagnostics
The technique is based on the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance. Hydrogen atoms in the cells of living tissues respond to radio frequency pulses in an electromagnetic field, and each type of cell has its own characteristic response. This picture is processed by a computer in the form of slice images, which allow you to study the state of the area under study in layers. The 3D format is convenient for viewing the structure from different angles, which is impossible in other diagnostic techniques.
MRI of the jaw, joints provides complete information about the state of all structures, tissues, pathological foci and changes, functionality, histological features of the altered tissue.
Thus, it is possible to diagnose benign and malignant neoplasms, injuries, damage to the articular meniscus, arthritis, arthrosis, vascular dysfunction, congenital deformities.
Which is better - magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray, MRI, ultrasound?
In clinical practice, MRI has undeniable advantages over other diagnostic methods and has a high informative value. No other method can detect tumors up to 1 mm in size, and this is an important condition for the success of modern cancer treatment.
Why MRI of the maxillofacial joint is better:
- Diagnosis of neoplasms at the earliest stages.
- Accurate image of all structures - bone, cartilage, soft tissues, blood vessels.
- It is possible to conduct a dynamic study when the patient opens and closes the mouth during the session.
- No radiation exposure, unlike CT, radiography.
- Minimum contraindications; no need to recover after the examination.
X-ray rarely shows the initial stages of pathological changes in tissues, visualizing solid structures. Ultrasound can help diagnose changes in the cartilage of the joint tissue, but MRI provides the most accurate picture of the position of the disc, soft tissue structures.
The leading methods for diagnosing this zone are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and MRI has significant safety advantages. CT is used as a method of secondary, additional diagnostics to clarify the degree of degenerative changes in the tissues of the joint, periarticular zones.
Types of MRI of the mandibular joint
Diagnosis is variable, each option is selected for certain cases, because it gives more information about the area under study.
Types of MRI of the temporal bones, lower jaw joint:
- Native, performed without using contrast. Allows you to examine structures, determine inflammatory, degenerative phenomena in bone, cartilage.
- With contrast enhancement. This study is more informative, as it helps to clearly highlight tumors, starting with a size of less than 1 mm. Contrasting allows you to consider the structure of neoplasms, the state of tissues - both hard and soft at the same time, the degree of involvement in the process.
In addition, contrast and native MRI in dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, traumatology, ENT, etc., concerning the lower jaw joint, can be performed with a functional test. To do this, during the study, the patient is asked to slightly open, open, close his mouth, which allows you to make scans of the joint in different positions. This method serves as the leading method for diagnosing intermittent dislocation, subluxation of the joint, impaired functionality of the structure, joint capsule, and meniscus defects. Based on functional images, the doctor will determine at what point a functional failure occurs, this will reveal non-obvious causes of jaw dysfunction or pain.
When MRI of the temporomandibular joint is prescribed
Like any other joint, the temporomandibular joint can be prone to inflammatory, rheumatic pathologies. He experiences a large daily load in the process of chewing, so any violation of his anatomy or functionality is reflected in the human condition. In severe, advanced cases, pathologies can become temporary or permanent obstacles to chewing solid, semi-solid food, which will lead to other disorders in the digestive tract, endocrine system, and other body structures.
Indications for MRI of the temporomandibular joint:
- Pain in the zone of the maxillofacial joint during chewing movements, talking, yawning, at rest. Pain can be given to the back of the head, ears, temple, face, side of the neck, under the cheekbones. Pain can be unilateral or bilateral.
- Swelling, redness of one or both joints of the lower jaw.
- Constant crunching, clicking, sensation of subluxation of the joint.
- Regular dislocation of the mandible, history of several episodes.
- Nodules under the jaw or in the area of the joint.
- Restriction of movement in the joint, inability to open or close the mouth wide, take food.
- Numbness of the face.
- Spastic phenomena when eating.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, in the ear area, on the back of the head.
- History of trauma.
- Nervous tic of the facial muscles.
- Bite anomalies.
The doctor will prescribe an examination before the planned installation of dentures, prosthetics, installation of braces, bite correction procedures, plastic surgery.
What will the diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint show
With the help of MRI tomography, a versatile picture will be obtained, which will help to accurately diagnose a pathology or disorder in this area, to identify its causes. Without using invasive methods, it is possible to assess the state of tissues and structures, identify the earliest disorders and start treatment in time, when the disease can be completely cured.
What does an MRI of the jaw and joint show: pathologies and disorders that can be seen in the pictures:
- Arthritis and inflammation of the periarticular structures.
- Arthrosis, deforming osteoarthritis.
- Osteomyelitis, aseptic necrosis.
- Dislocation, bone fracture, rupture of the joint capsule, meniscus, contusion with hematoma, hemorrhage.
- Dysfunctional state of the joint.
- Ankylosis.
- Benign, malignant tumors.
- Congenital anomalies of the jaw, joint.
On the image, you can clearly see the head of the lower jaw, the state of the capsule, soft tissues, discs.
Contrast can detect tumors as small as a few millimeters, which is impossible with other diagnostic methods. Therefore, MR examination with contrast is performed more often to detect tumor processes.
