FAST SPIN-ECHO IMAGING OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT

The applicability of a fast spin-echo (FSE) technique for magnetic res onance imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was studied, and t he technique compared with a conventional spin-echo (CSE) technique. S agittal T1-weighted CSE and dual-echo FSE images of 50 TMJs in 25 pati ents with symptoms of internal TMJ derangement were compared. CSE and FSE images were diagnostically comparable in 22 TMJs (44%). The FSE te chnique was rated better than CSE imaging for delineation of the disk in 26 joints (52%), whereas the CSE technique was rated better in only two joints (4%). The FSE technique was preferred overall in 54% of th e joints. Mild to moderate joint effusion was detected in 17 joints be cause additional T2-weighted data were provided with the dual-echo FSE technique. The study showed that FSE imaging is an effective techniqu e for evaluation of the TMJ. It is faster and diagnostically comparabl e to or better than CSE imaging, with the added advantage of providing T2-weighted data.