Temporomandibular joint: a methodology of magnetic resonance imaging 3-D reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to develop a new method for the 3-dimensional reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) images by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In a preliminary study, this modality of 3-D representation was tested to evaluate the joint motion.


METHODS
Sagittal MRI slices were obtained from a healthy subject. Acquisitions were realized by a spin-echo sequence, with a proton-density weighting and a 2-mm slice thickness. A 3-D reconstruction of the TMJ images was performed.


RESULTS
Three-dimensional representations of the temporomandibular joint were obtained. The depiction of the principal anatomical elements of this joint was realized. A study of TMJ dynamics was also carried out. In this case, movements of the right and left disks and condyles were measured.


CONCLUSIONS
This 3-D reconstruction methodology allowed a more understandable anatomical description than 2-D images of the TMJ and offered possibilities for joint functional analysis.
Chirani
Reza Arbab
RA
Department of Endodontics and Conservative Sentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Bretagne Occidentale, LATIM, U650 INSERM, Brest, France. reza.arbab-chirani@univ-brest.fr
Jacq
Jean-José
JJ
Meriot
Philippe
P
Roux
Christian
C
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology