Utility of frequency-selective fat saturation MR images for the detection of joint effusion in the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of frequency-selective fat saturation MR images for the detection of joint effusion in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ effusion was sought on FS T2-weighted images and conventional T2-weighted images in 400 joints obtained from 200 patients with TMJ-related pain. The relationship between the pain and TMJ effusion, which were judged by FS-sequences or conventional sequences, was analyzed. The detection rate of TMJ effusion by FS-sequences was significantly greater than by conventional methods, and the results showed a significant relationship between the MRI interpretation of TMJ effusion, using FS-sequences or conventional methods, and the presence of pain. The correlation between TMJ effusion on FS-sequences and the pain was significant than the conventional method.