title: Semiquantitative SPECT imaging for assessment of bone reactions in internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint.
abstract: The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 60 patients with arthrographically confirmed internal derangements and 30 volunteers were examined with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Semiquantitative evaluation was done by forming a quotient from the counts of a constantly sized TMJ-ROI relative to the overall counts of the cranium. The TMJ/cranium quotient depended on the age of the subject, with younger patients showing a larger quotient than older ones. Normal joints were separated from the afflicted ones by means of a discriminant analysis. Sensitivity of semiquantitative evaluation was 78% (disc displacements with reduction) and 89% (disc displacements without reduction). Correct visual evaluation was made in 53% of the reducing and 75% of the nonreducing discs. Semiquantitative SPECT of the TMJs provides important information on the extent of osseous changes in afflicted joints and is suitable for follow-up of splint therapy. It may also be helpful as a screening method in detecting clinically normal joints before arthrography is carried out and in assessing the presumptive response to treatment with a splint.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed
chemical_list: D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate