An optimized fast protocol for magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint

Objectives: To provide a fast protocol for MR imaging of the TMJ with high contrast resolution of both soft tissue and joint fluid. Methods: A fast turbo-spin echo (TSE) pulse sequence was developed. The new technique was compared with TIW conventional spin echo (CSE) and T2W TSE s equences in imaging 57 TMJs in 50 patients. Disc location and contour and b one delineation were assessed on three images of each TMJ by one observer. Presence and location of intra-articular fluid were evaluated on both stand ard T2W and new TSE images. Image quality was scored on a 3 point-scale by one observer. Results: The net image acquisition time for one plane was 2 min with the ne w TSE sequence compared with approximately 5 - 10 min for TIW and 4 min for T2W. The new sequence provided equivalent diagnostic information to a comb ination of TIW CSE for disc position and contour and bone contour and T2W T SE sequence for joint fluid. Conclusions: The examination time for MRI of the TMJ can be considerably re duced with the new fast TSE pulse sequence without compromising image quali ty.