Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the MRI signal intensity of retrodiskal tissue e and its relationship to articular eminence morphology, joint effusion status and disk displacement in symptomatic patients. Image archive from patients referred to MRI evaluation was assessed, totalizing 48 TMJ. The signal intensity of retrodiskal tissue was determined by using sagittal images and a ROI of 0.27 mm2 in the adjacent region of the posterior portion of the articular disk. Data about disk displacement, articular eminence morphology and presence of joint effusion were also recorded. Retrodiskal tissue signal intensity was statistically lower for the disk position in DDWR than in DDWoR (p = 0.016). There was a tendency for higher signal intensity in joints with effusion versus those without effusion (p = 0.065). No relationship between retrodiskal tissue signal intensity and shape of articular eminence was identified (p = 0.159). MRI is effective for assessing TMJ structures, including retrodiskal tissue portion. Changes in retrodiskal tissue signal intensity were associated only with joint effusion presence, confirming inflammation features. Further studies are indicated to elucidate retrodiskal tissue relationship with disk displacement.

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