Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging technique for the study of the temporomandibular joint.
OBJECTIVE
Echo planar imaging (EPI) is an ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that can scan a single frame in less than a second. The aim of this study was to use the EPI technique to develop a new dynamic MRI protocol for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).


METHODS
Basic fast-field echo and EPI pulse sequences were used for dynamic studies of the TMJ. The subjects were instructed to perform spontaneous, continuous, slow opening/closing movements without visual or audio feedback. Different scanning parameter settings were explored to optimize the results.


RESULTS
With an opening/closing movement of approximately 6 to 7 seconds per cycle, the proposed protocol yielded a good insight into the relative motion between condyle and disc. It was also possible to see the deformation of the disc during movement.


CONCLUSIONS
The EPI technique is a non-invasive technique that can be used for dynamic imaging study of a slow but continuous, uninterrupted jaw movement.
Chen
Y J
YJ
Clinic for Masticatory Disorders and Complete Denture, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Gallo
L M
LM
Meier
D
D
Palla
S
S
D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology