To find an appropriate fast sequence method for MR scanning of TMJ, 5 sequences (i. e., fast imaging with steady precession (FISP), fast low angle shot (FLASH), conventional T1-weighted spin echo (SE) and fast spin echo (FSE, TR/TE: 1100/12, 3000/15)) were compared in 14 TMJs in the closed mouth position in 7 volunteers with normal TMJs, using a 1.5 T MR system. All these imaging sequences were designed to finish within 3 minutes. Image contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the disc and surrounding tissues (i. e., the space between the articular eminence and disc (SAD) and lateral pterygoid muscle) were evaluated. Visual evaluation including position and contours of the disc, border between the disc and surrounding tissues, cortical bone and fatty bone marrow of mandibular condyle, was also performed by 4 radiologists. The image contrast between the disc and SAD was highest in FLASH among the 5 sequences tested. There were no significant differences in CNR between the disc and surrounding tissues among the 5 sequences tested. In visual evaluation including position and contours of the disc, the border between the disc and surrounding tissues, FISP, FLASH and FSE-1100 showed high score, while FISP and FLASH showed low scores in assessing fatty bone marrow. We conclude that FLASH is the most reliable sequence in assessing disc position, and FSE-1100 is the most useful technique for TMJ imaging including bone evaluation.
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