Duplex Doppler ultrasound study of the temporomandibular joint

Use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders: a prospective clinical study

OBJECTIVES

Panoramic radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are traditionally used for imaging temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its pathologies. Besides these radiographic techniques, the recent use of ultrasonography (US) in diagnosing joint diseases has been introduced. However, there is no prospective clinical study examining the application of US in imaging of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) patients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the features of the joint and surrounding structures in the US in TMD patients.

METHODS

320 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 100 of these individuals accepted to participate in the study. This study evaluated 200 TMJ; including the right TMJ and left TMJ of 100 patients. The study was designed as a clinical single-blind observational device trial.

RESULTS

It has been seen that women are 3.54 times more likely to have muscle pain than men. It has been determined that the probability of joint pain increased as the joint space with the mouth closed increased. It has been seen that women are 3.61 times more likely to experience headaches than men.

CONCLUSIONS

The US, which is becoming increasingly common in dentistry, can be used as an aid in TMD diagnoses. US will not be sufficient when it is desired to evaluate the TMJ joint area more precisely and clearly in patients who will be planned for advanced surgical intervention. Therefore, it may be necessary to refer for MRI. The values of our findings will be a reference in TMD diagnoses.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV ID

NCT04452110.

Ultrasonography-guided invasive procedures of the temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complex is one of the most complex joints, which connects the mandible to the skull. This kind of joint system has the ability to perform complex and bilateral movements. Due to complex anatomy, there is a need for a thorough investigation to find the correct etiology of TMJ disorders. For a thorough investigation, starting from clinical examination to imaging strategies should be performed meticulously. Radiographic imaging is an important element in the correct diagnosis. Because of the anatomic complexity of the temporomandibular joint and its proximity to the temporal bone, mastoid air cells, and auditory structures, imaging of the joint structures should also be investigated. Therefore, careful clinical and radiological examinations are essential in the evaluation of TMJ. The manuscript examines the potential use and technique of ultrasonography (USG) in fine-needle aspiration biopsy and intra-articular sodium hyaluronate/steroid injection.