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 sequences in imaging 57 TMJs in 50 patients. Disc location and contour and bone delineation were assessed on three images of each TMJ by one observer. Presence and location of intra-articular fluid were evaluated on both standard 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 new TSE sequence compared with approximately 5 - 10 min for TIW and 4 min for T2W. The new sequence provided equivalent diagnostic information to a combination of TIW CSE for disc position and contour and bone contour and T2W TSE sequence for joint fluid. Conclusions: The examination time for MRI of the TMJ can be considerably reduced with the new fast TSE pulse sequence without compromising image quality.