Comparison of conventional MRI and 3D reconstruction model for evaluation of temporomandibular joint

The aim of this work was to define the diagnostic value of a method for 3D reconstruction of MRI images for the assessment of temporomandibular joint. Sixty subjects, 42 diagnosed with unilateral temporomandibular disorders (TMD) with disc displacement and 18 without signs or symptoms of TMD (control group) were included. All subjects had both temporomandibular joints scanned by MRI. Three-dimensional imaging reconstructions of temporomandibular joint were generated by segmentation software, allowing visualization of the components of temporomandibular joint (articular disc, condyle and temporal bone) on arbitrary planes. Disc displacement was observed in 83% of 3D reconstruction and 81% of conventional MRI. The agreement between 3D diagnosis and MRI findings was significant and high. The present analysis suggested that 3D reconstruction is a useful and accurate method for the assessment of the temporomandibular joint in TMD ID.