Evaluation of digital linear tomosynthesis imaging of the temporomandibular joint: initial clinical experience and evaluation

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the potential clinical application of digital linear tomosynthesis systems in imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Methods: A volumetric X-ray digital linear tomosynthesis system (Sonialvision Safire; Shimadzu Co., Kyoto, Japan) was used for TMJ imaging. Images were reconstructed with a modified three-dimensional (3D) filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm on this device. Our modified 3D FBP was first evaluated using simulated images of numerical phantoms. Next, patients with TMJ disease were evaluated with X-ray digital linear tomosynthesis. Results: The results indicate that numerical phantom and TMJ visualization can be improved by the ability to produce sectional images that blur overlying structures and yield 3D information. The flexibility of digital linear tomosynthesis, as well as the fact that through an appropriate choice of modified FBP algorithms it can suppress streak artefacts, makes it a potentially appropriate approach for evaluating the TMJ. Conclusions: The utility of digital linear tomosynthesis for the evaluation of TMJ was demonstrated. Digital linear tomosynthesis may be considered as the imaging technique of choice in the investigation of bony changes of the TMJ.