Analysis of the mandibular movement by simultaneous multisection continuous ultrafast MRI.
OBJECTIVE
Using simultaneous multiple cross-sectional imaging, we imaged four cross sections, including the mandibular midline and the right and left temporomandibular joints, to observe one movement of mouth opening and closing and analyze the movement of the mandible and temporomandibular joints.


METHODS
Four cross sections, including the midsagittal section of the mandible, the sagittal sections of the right and left temporomandibular joints and the horizontal section containing the heads of right and left temporomandibular joints, were imaged simultaneously. The imaging was conducted in 10 male and female volunteers.


RESULTS
In all volunteers, the relationship of the mandibular movement on the median line with the right and left temporomandibular joints was observed. Images of the volunteers with trismus indicated the condition in which the right and left temporomandibular joints did not move in keeping with each other but moved independently from each other.


CONCLUSIONS
Complex movement of the temporomandibular joint was first evaluated by simultaneous multiple cross-sectional MRI for the movement of mandible and temporomandibular joints.
Azuma
Takashi
T
Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. azuma@frontier.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Ito
Jin
J
Kutsuki
Manabu
M
Nakai
Ryusuke
R
Fujita
Shigeyuki
S
Tsutsumi
Sadami
S
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007574:Jaw Relation Record / Q000379:methods; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*