Diagnostic accuracy of microcomputed tomography for osseous abnormalities in the rat temporomandibular joint condyle

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of in vivo micro-CT for osseous abnormalities of the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condyle, using macroscopic observations as the "gold standard". METHODS: A 30 TMJ arthritis model was prepared by injecting inflammatory complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into one side of the TMJ cavities of rats. The TMJ condyles were then imaged using micro-CT. The samples were macroscopically evaluated for osseous abnormalities, including erosions, osteophytes, flattening and concavity. The micro-CT images were independently assessed for abnormalities using the same criteria. Images in three planes were produced using the micro-XYZ technique with the micro-CT equipment. RESULTS: According to the macroscopic observations, 26 of the 60 rat condyles showed osseous abnormalities. The micro-XYZ images detected abnormalities in 25 of the condyles. The condyle diagnostic accuracy of micro-CT was 0.98, the sensitivity was 0.96 and the specificity was 1.0. CONCLUSIONS: Good diagnostic results were obtained using micro-CT. It is therefore an effective technique for the evaluation of osseous abnormalities in the rat TMJ condyle.