TMJ MRI
Dental Procedures
estimated about CNY 800-1800
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Description
Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint to evaluate joint anatomy, disc position, inflammation, degeneration, or internal derangements.
Main Uses
Primary clinical uses include: evaluating internal derangements (e.g., disc displacement with/without reduction), detecting degenerative joint disease (osteophytes, erosions, subchondral cysts), assessing inflammatory arthropathies (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), diagnosing traumatic injuries (condylar fractures, ligamentous tears), ruling out neoplasms or infections involving the TMJ, and pre-surgical planning for orthognathic or TMJ surgery.
Normal Range
MRI is a qualitative imaging modality, not a quantitative blood or biochemical test; therefore, there are no numerical 'normal ranges' or reference values. Normal findings include symmetrical joint anatomy, intact and smoothly contoured articular disc (biconcave, centered over the mandibular condyle in closed mouth and anteriorly displaced but reducible in open mouth), homogeneous signal intensity of disc (low T1/T2 signal), absence of bone marrow edema (no high T2/STIR signal in condyle or fossa), no joint effusion (minimal or no fluid in superior joint space), and smooth cortical margins without erosions or osteophytes.
Low Values - Possible Causes
Low signal intensity of the articular disc on T2-weighted images is normal; however, abnormally low signal may reflect chronic fibrosis or calcification. Clinically, 'low values' do not apply—MRI does not yield scalar lab values. Misinterpretation may arise from technical factors: insufficient fat suppression, motion artifact, or poor contrast resolution masking subtle pathology.
High Values - Possible Causes
High signal intensity on T2-weighted or STIR sequences indicates pathology: 1) Joint effusion (excess fluid in superior joint space), 2) Bone marrow edema (in condyle or temporal fossa), 3) Disc inflammation or acute internal derangement (e.g., disc perforation with granulation tissue), 4) Synovitis or capsulitis, 5) Post-traumatic or inflammatory soft-tissue edema.
estimated about CNY 800-1800