Time-course Observation of Patients with Arthrosis of the Temporomandibular Joint on MRI

Patients with arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint are examined by MRI, but fewer cases are followed over time by performing MRI several times. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence or absence and types of changes in the structure of the mandibular condyle and articular disc on MR images over time in patients examined by MRI for the diagnosis of arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint in order to clarify the usefulness of performing MRI several times.
MR images for patients who underwent MRI several times based on the clinical diagnosis of arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint were analyzed.
Twenty-three patients were examined by MRI twice or more. The shortest and longest intervals between the first and final examinations were 75 and 2,588 days, respectively, and the mean was 735 days. Changes in the bone structure of the mandibular condyle were noted on the first MRI in approximately 63 % and new changes were noted on the final examination in approximately 24 %. In addition, the articular disc position in the closed or open mouth had changed on the later examination in approximately 15 %.
Performing MRI several times along the clinical course was found to be useful to diagnose the disease stage, judge the treatment effects, and help predict the outcome in patients with arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint.