Temporomandibular joint: improved MR image quality with decreased section thickness

• Published in: Radiology Vol. 182; no. 1; p. 280
• Main Authors: Westesson, P L, Kwok, E, Barsotti, J B, Hatala, M, Paesani, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-1992
• Subjects: Adult; Cadaver; Female; Humans; Image Enhancement - methods; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Male; Temporomandibular Joint - pathology; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0033-8419
• DOI: 10.1148/radiology.182.1.1727298

To determine if the quality of spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) images of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) could be improved by reducing section thickness, coronal and sagittal 3.0- and 1.5-mm MR images of the same joints were evaluated. Depiction of the disk, trabecular pattern, and cortex of the condyle was better on coronal 1.5-mm images than on 3.0-mm images (P less than .01), and 1.5-mm sagittal images were better for depiction of the trabecular pattern of the condyle than were 3.0-mm images (P less than .05). The ability of MR imaging with thinner sections to reveal more anatomic details should result in improved diagnostic accuracy.