Exploration of MRI T2 Mapping Image Application in Articular Disc Displacement of the Temporomandibular Joint in Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping technique in clinical practice through morphological and quantitative analysis of T2 mapping sequences in adolescents with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and control groups comprising healthy participants.

Patients and Methods

A total of 45 and 63 patients, who had articular disc displacement with and without reduction, respectively, were assigned to the experimental groups, and 57 participants with normal articular discs of the temporomandibular joint were considered as the control group. All participants in the three groups underwent MRI. T2 mapping was performed in the oblique sagittal plane. The regions of interest (ROIs) for the T2 relaxation time maps of the disc were selected manually. The performance of morphological and structural changes and quantitative parameters in MRI T2 mapping image artifacts were statistically compared.

Results

In the control group, the mean T2 value was 39.284 ±5.634 ms, in the group of disc displacement with reduction, the mean T2 value was 33.634 ±4.235 ms, and in the group of disc displacement without reduction, the mean T2 value was 30.982 ±3.205 ms. The T2 mapping values of the experimental groups, together with different morphological structures, were significantly lower than were those of the control group.

Conclusion

MRI T2 mapping enables a more accurate evaluation of TMD severity. Sequentially, it helps provide a more reliable medical imaging basis for classifying diagnosis and evaluation in clinical practice.

Keywords:

• temporomandibular joint disorders
• articular disc of temporomandibular joint
• adolescents
• magnetic resonance imaging

Abbreviations

MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging; TMDs, temporomandibular disorders; TMJ, temporomandibular joint; T2WI, T2-weighted image; MERGE, multiple echo recombined gradient echo; ROI, region of interest.

Ethics Approval

This study was conducted with approval from the Ethics Committee of The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou. This study was conducted in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki. The parents or legal guardians of the patients also provided informed consent for participation in this study.

Consent for Publication

The consent for publication of this manuscript was obtained from a parent or legal guardian of the study participants.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Editage for English language editing.

Author Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval for the version to be published; and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Wenzhou Municipal Science and Technology Plan Project Grant/Award Number: 2021Y0637 and Wenzhou Science and Technology Bureau in China(No.Y20180112).