Computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Diagnosis Employing Artificial Intelligence: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim was to systematically synthesize the current research and influence of artificial intelligence (AI) models on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) or panoramic radiography. Seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, ProQuest, and SpringerLink) were searched for TMJ OA and AI articles. We used QUADAS-2 to assess the risk of bias, while with MI-CLAIM we checked the minimum information about clinical artificial intelligence modeling. Two hundred and three records were identified, out of which seven were included, amounting to 10,077 TMJ images. Three studies focused on the diagnosis of TMJ OA using panoramic radiography with various transfer learning models (ResNet model) on which the meta-analysis was performed. The pooled sensitivity was 0.76 (95% CI 0.35-0.95) and the specificity was 0.79 (95% CI 0.75-0.83). The other studies investigated the 3D shape of the condyle and disease classification observed on CBCT images, as well as the numerous radiomics features that can be combined with clinical and proteomic data to investigate the most effective models and promising features for the diagnosis of TMJ OA. The accuracy of the methods was nearly equivalent; it was higher when the indeterminate diagnosis was excluded or when fine-tuning was used.

Computed tomographic features of the temporomandibular joint in 10 Jeju horses

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Associations between condylar fractures and external auditory canal fracture: A 7-year retrospective study

The study aimed to investigate whether the incidence rate of external auditory canal (EAC) fracture varies among different clinical types of condylar fracture. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in single hospital of China. Eligible patients diagnosed with mandibular condylar fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Among all patients with condylar fractures (318 cases and 437 sides), 45 cases and 59 sides (59/437 sides, 13.5%) were found with EAC fracture, including 17(17/38, 44.7%) sides of sagittal fracture of condyle (Type I), 21(21/59, 35.6%) sides of intracapsular condylar fracture (Type II), 8 (8/306, 2.6%) sides of condylar neck fracture (Type III), and 6 (6/34, 17.7%) sides of condylar base fracture (Type IV). Type III condylar fracture had a significant lower rate of EAC fracture than all other three types (all p<0.001). Type I condylar fracture had a higher rate of EAC fracture compared to Type IV (p=0.014). The incidence rates of EAC fracture in combined Type I+Type II group (38/97, 39.2%) was significantly higher than Type III (8/306,2.6%, p<0.001) and Type IV (6/34,17.7%, p=0.002). A total of 35 sides (27 patients) with combined fractures were followed up for 6 months after treatment, among whom 11 sides (7 patients) were operated for both fractures simultaneously. Neither EAC stenosis nor hearing loss was observed. Meanwhile, for 24 non-operated ears from 20 patients, all EACs showed different degrees of stenosis. In conclusion, oral and maxillofacial surgeons should pay more attention to EAC fracture combined with condylar fracture, especially for patients diagnosed with condylar head fracture. Maxillofacial fractures should be accompanied by early treatment of EAC fractures, in order to prevent EAC stenosis, hearing loss, and other complications.

Current status of MR imaging of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic arthropathy in the pediatric population. Although the diagnosis is essentially clinical for many affected joints, MR imaging has become an important tool for the assessment of joints that are difficult to evaluate clinically, such as temporomandibular and sacroiliac joints, and for screening of inflammatory changes in the entire body by whole body MRI (WBMRI) assessment. The utilization of MR imaging is challenging in the pediatric population given the need for discrimination between pathological and physiological changes in the growing skeleton. Several multicentric multidisciplinary organizations have made major efforts over the past decades to standardize, quantify, and validate scoring systems to measure joint changes both cross-sectionally and longitudinally according to rigorous methodological standards. In this paper, we (1) discuss current trends for the diagnosis and management of JIA, (2) review challenges for detecting real pathological changes in growing joints, (3) summarize the current status of standardization of MRI protocols for data acquisition and the quantification of joint pathology in JIA by means of scoring systems, and (4) outline novel MR imaging techniques for the evaluation of anatomy and function of joints in JIA. Optimizing the role of MRI as a robust biomarker and outcome measure remains a priority of future research in this field.

Temporomandibular joint imaging: current clinical applications, biochemical comparison with the intervertebral disc and knee meniscus, and opportunities for advancement

Temporomandibular disorders encompass multiple pathologies of the temporomandibular joint that manifest as middle/inner ear symptoms, headache, and/or localized TMJ symptoms. There is an important although somewhat limited role of imaging in the diagnostic evaluation of temporomandibular disorders. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive review of TMJ anatomy, outline potentially important features of TMJ disc ultrastructure and biochemistry in comparison with the intervertebral disc and knee meniscus, and provide imaging examples of the TMJ abnormalities currently evaluable with MRI and CT. In addition, we provide an overview of emerging and investigational TMJ imaging techniques in order to encourage further imaging research based on the biomechanical alterations of the TMJ disc.

Imaging of the temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular disorders are common, especially in young to middle-aged women, and most settle with supportive treatment. Imaging is indicated for the small percentage of cases that do not respond to conservative management and when the diagnosis is no doubt. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a bilateral synovial articulation between the mandible and skull base. It has an intra-articular disc dividing the joint into superior and inferior compartments and the articular surfaces are lined with fibrocartilage. The normal imaging anatomy of the TMJ is described and illustrated. Different movements occur in each joint compartments: a hinge movement in the inferior joint space and translation or gliding in the superior joint space. Internal derangement is the commonest disorder affecting the TMJ and is most commonly due to disc displacement, followed by osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritides. The imaging findings, primarily on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), of internal derangement and less common disorders of the joint, are reviewed and illustrated. Optimal imaging protocols are discussed with detailed reporting guidelines.

Imaging of orofacial pain

BACKGROUND

Orofacial pain is a common complaint, with an estimated 75% of cases caused by dental disease, specifically a diseased pulp. A small percentage of orofacial pain cases will require specialist referral most commonly to oral medicine specialists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons from a dental perspective, or otolaryngologists or neurologists from a medical perspective.

IMAGING MODALITIES

Following a thorough history and clinical examination, imaging is often required to narrow the differential diagnosis or answer a specific query related to the final diagnosis. A range of imaging modalities can be used to evaluate orofacial pain including dental panoramic tomography (DPT), intraoral radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine.

IMAGING PROTOCOLS

This paper provides a guideline outlining imaging protocols for categories of facial pain divided into: (a) unilateral odontalgia; (b) unilateral facial pain; (c) combined unilateral odontalgia and facial pain; (d) trigeminal neuralgia; (e) trigeminal neuropathic pain with or without other sensory, autonomic or motor features; (f) temporomandibular joint disorders and associated pain; (g) referred pain and (h) non-specific orofacial pain.

CONCLUSION

Imaging for orofacial pain should be tailored to answer a specific query related to the aetiology of the reported pain. This should result in a specific diagnosis or narrowing of the differential diagnosis as possible causes of orofacial pain are eliminated. Choosing the correct imaging modality and protocol based on the pain category is important for efficient and effective pain diagnosis and management.

Association between the clinical features of and types of temporomandibular joint ankylosis based on a modified classification system

This study aimed to describe the clinical features of different types of traumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Seventy-one patients with 102 ankylosed joints were retrospectively reviewed and categorized into four groups according to the grades of severity: type I, non-bony ankylosis of the joint with almost-normal joint space; type II, lateral bony ankylosis marked by a normal joint space that coexists with a radiolucent line; type III, complete bony ankylosis of the joint characterized by only a radiolucent line; and type IV, extensive bony ankylosis without any radiolucent line. The period of ankylosis, maximal mouth opening (MMO), rate of complications, and histopathological changes were compared among groups. Intergroup comparison showed significant differences in the clinical features of MMO and the incidence of complications (p < 0.05). Younger trauma patients tended to develop more severe types of ankylosis than older patients. Additionally, long post-trauma periods were related to the development of severe ankylosis. MMO was highly negatively correlated with the severity of ankylosis. Significant differences were noted among the four types of ankylosis. Younger trauma patients with long post-trauma periods tended to develop more severe TMJ ankylosis, experience more complications, and face more challenges in treatment than older patients.

Imaging of the Pediatric Temporomandibular Joint

Imaging of the temporomandibular joint in pediatric patients is a critical component in the evaluation and treatment of children with temporomandibular joint symptoms. MRI can provide detailed joint anatomy and identify inflammation, sometimes before symptom onset. Ultrasound scan is a convenient emerging modality to evaluate the joint and guide therapeutic injections. Radiography and computed tomography offer osseous detail to recognize early morphologic changes of the mandibular condyle and provide operative planning. Imaging promises to direct treatment to prevent future joint destruction and maintain function.

Association of Condylar Bone Quality with TMJ Osteoarthritis

The etiology and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (TMJOA) remain complex and unclear. Based on clinical observations, we hypothesized that low condylar bone quality is significantly correlated with TMJOA and explored this association in a cross-sectional study with human patients. A total of 254 postmenopausal female participants were included in this study. Radiographic findings from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and clinical symptoms were used to classify each TMJ data sample as healthy control ( n = 124) or TMJOA ( n = 130). Condylar bone mineral density (BMD) (computed tomography Hounsfield unit [CT HU]) and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) were measured and modeled as predictors of healthy control versus TMJOA status in multilevel logistic regression analyses. Both CT HU (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.9989, interquartile odds ratio [IOR] = 0.4206) and BV/TV (AOR= 0.8096, IOR = 0.1769) were negatively associated with TMJOA ( P = 0.049, 0.011, respectively). To assess the diagnostic performance of CT HU and BV/TV for identification of TMJOA, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted. The estimated areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.6622 for BV/TV alone, 0.6074 for CT HU alone, and 0.7136 for CT HU and BV/TV together. The model incorporating CT HU and BV/TV together had a significantly higher AUC than the models using BV/TV alone ( P = 0.038) or HU alone ( P = 0.021). In conclusion, we found that low condylar bone quality was significantly correlated with TMJOA development and that condylar CT HU and BV/TV can be used together as a potential diagnostic tool for TMJOA. Careful clinical evaluation of the condyle coupled with appropriate radiographic interpretation would thus be critical for the early detection of TMJOA.

Trends in maxillofacial imaging

Maxillofacial imaging encompasses radiology of the teeth and jaws, including the temporomandibular joints. Modalities used include intra-oral radiographs, panoramic tomography, cephalograms, cone-beam computed tomography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and radionuclide imaging. Common indications for imaging are impacted and supernumerary teeth, dental implants, inflammatory dental disease, and fibro-osseous lesions, cysts, and masses of the jaws. Osteonecrosis of the jaws may follow radiotherapy or the use of bisphosphonates and other drugs. Imaging of the temporomandibular joints and the potential role of imaging in obstructive sleep apnoea are also discussed.

Impact of routine open-mouth osseous temporomandibular joint tomography on diagnosis and therapeutic options

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of routine open mouth osseous temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tomography on diagnosis and treatment planning of TMJ conditions. Investigating the need for such images is important to justify the additional radiation exposure imparted by such procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

The records of patients who underwent closed- and open-mouth osseous TMJ tomography (planar film tomography up to the beginning of 2006; cone beam computed tomography from 2006 onward) were reviewed. Three examiners formulated a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the history, clinical findings, and tomography interpretation reports of closed-mouth images. Then they reviewed the interpretations of the open-mouth images and recorded whether they would change their original diagnosis and/or treatment plan on the basis of the findings. Descriptive analysis of the results was performed.

RESULTS

The impact of routine open-mouth imaging on diagnosis and treatment planning was variable among the examiners. Examiners 1, 2, and 3 had a change in diagnosis in 7%, 5%, and 3% of cases, respectively, and a change in treatment plan in 1%, 1%, and 8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine open-mouth osseous TMJ tomography had a minimal impact on diagnosis and treatment planning of TMJ conditions, which varied according to the treating clinician.

Open-Mouth Bone Scintigraphy Is Better than Closed-Mouth Bone Scintigraphy in the Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

Closed-mouth bone scintigraphy (CM scan) and closed-mouth single-photon emission computed tomography (CM SPECT) are used for conventional evaluation of osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, the adequacy of open-mouth bone scintigraphy (OM scan) has not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of CM scan, CM SPECT, and OM scan.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with suspicion of an abnormality of the TMJ and who underwent a (99m)Tc-HDP CM scan, CM SPECT, and an OM scan were enrolled. The scans were assessed visually for the presence of positive focal uptake in the TMJ. Osteoarthritis was defined as arthralgia plus crepitus or radiologic signs of arthrosis.

RESULTS

Of 72 TMJs, 21 (29.2 %) were diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 90.5 %, 49.0 %, 42.2 %, 92.6 % and 61.1 % for the CM scan, 81.0 %, 58.8 %, 44.7 %, 88.2 % and 65.3 % for CM SPECT, and 81.0 %, 82.4 %, 65.4 %, 91.3 % and 81.9 % for the OM scan, respectively. The accuracy of the OM scan was higher than that of CM SPECT and the CM scans (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The OM scan was more accurate than the conventional CM scan and even CM SPECT for diagnosing TMJ osteoarthritis.

Radiation-induced temporo-mandibular joint disorder in post-radiotherapy nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: assessment and treatment

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in southern China, and its incidence in Hong Kong is relatively high. Radiotherapy is the mainstay treatment for NPC due to its relatively high radiosensitivity and deep‐seated anatomical position, which is not readily accessible by surgery. Although the technique of radiotherapy in NPC has been advancing and offers promising treatment outcome, complications around the irradiation areas are inevitable and the quality of life of the post‐radiotherapy patients is often compromised. Trismus, which is defined as the restricted mouth opening or jaw movement due to the disorder of temporo‐mandibular joint (TMJ), is one of the possible late complications for radiotherapy of NPC and is found in 5–17% of the post‐radiotherapy (post‐RT) patients. Trismus at early stage may only affect the speech, but in severe cases nutritional intake and oral hygiene condition may deteriorate seriously. This article reviewed the possible causes of radiation‐induced TMJ damage, the various assessments including imaging modalities and possible treatments. The conclusion is that the availability of simple, yet effective examinations for trismus is essential for delaying the progression and restoring TMJ functions. Although there is no absolutely effective treatment for trismus, many supportive, restorative and palliative management are possible under different clinical situations.

Articular eminence inclination, height, and condyle morphology on cone beam computed tomography

Aim. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between articular eminence inclination, height, and thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa (RGF) according to age and gender and to assess condyle morphology including incidental findings of osseous characteristics associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods. CBCT images of 105 patients were evaluated retrospectively. For articular eminence inclination and height, axial views on which the condylar processes were seen with their widest mediolateral extent being used as a reference view for secondary reconstruction. Condyle morphology was categorized both in the sagittal and coronal plane. Results. The mean values of eminence inclination and height of males were higher than those of females (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the RGF thickness in relation to sagittal condyle morphology. Among the group of OA, the mean value of the RGF thickness for “OA-osteophyte” group was the highest (1.59 mm), whereas the lowest RGF values were seen in the “OA-flattening.” Conclusion. The sagittal osteoarthritic changes may have an effect on RGF thickness by mechanical stimulation and changed stress distribution. Gender has a significant effect on eminence height (Eh) and inclination.

CT Images of a Severe TMJ Osteoarthritis and Differential Diagnosis with Other Joint Disorders

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis which affects the human body and can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The diagnosis of TMJ OA is essentially based on clinical examination. However, laboratory tests and radiographic exams are also useful to exclude other diseases. The diagnosis of OA may be difficult because of other TMJ pathologies that can have similar clinical and radiographic aspects. The purpose of this study was to describe an unusual case of bilateral TMJ OA in an advanced stage and discuss its most common clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings, focusing on their importance in the differential diagnosis with other TMJ diseases. Erosion, sclerosis, osteophytes, flattening, subchondral cysts, and a reduced joint space were some of the radiographic findings in TMJ OA. We concluded that, for the correct differential diagnosis of TMJ OA, it is necessary to unite medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiographic findings. Computed tomography is the test of choice for evaluating bone involvement and for diagnosing and establishing the degree of the disease.