Diagnostic accuracy on fat-saturated T 2 weighted MRI for diagnosis of intra-articular adhesions of the temporomandibular joint

摘要

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare intra-articular adhesions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) between fat-saturated T 2 weighted MR images and arthroscopic findings. Methods: 50 patients (50 joints) with closed locking of the TMJ who were examined with MRI and then underwent arthroscopic surgery participated in this study. The concordance rate of intra-articular adhesions between fat-saturated T 2 weighted MR images and arthroscopic findings was studied using the kappa coefficient. Results: Intra-articular adhesions were seen on MRI in 21 joints (42%) and in arthroscopic findings in 26 joints (52%). Thus, five joints had false-negative results and mild adhesions were arthroscopically observed in these five joints. There was significant concordance between these two findings (p 0.001). The kappa coefficient was 0.801, which was considered to be complete concordance. Conclusions: On fat-saturated MRI, a low signal intensity area and narrowing image in the joint space of the TMJ may indicate the presence of intra-articular adhesions or fibrosis.