Dynamic MRI of the TMJ under physical load

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the kinematics of structures of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) under physiological load while masticating. METHODS: Radial MRI was chosen as a fast imaging method to dynamically capture the motions of the joint's anatomy. The technique included a golden ratio-based increment angle and a sliding window reconstruction. The measurements were performed on 22 subjects with and without deformation/displacement of the intra-articular disc while they were biting on a cooled caramel toffee. RESULTS: The reconstructed dynamic images provided sufficient information about the size and localization of the disc as well as the change of the intra-articular distance with and without loading. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of the golden ratio-based radial MRI technique to dynamically capture the anatomy of the TMJ under physical load was demonstrated in this initial study.