Analysis of the mandibular movement by simultaneous multisection continuous ultrafast MRI.

Purpose: Using simultaneous multiple cross-sectional imaging, we imaged four cross sections, including the mandibular midline and the right and left temporomandibular joints, to observe one movement of mouth opening and closing and analyze the movement of the mandible and temporomandibular joints.

Materials And Methods: Four cross sections, including the midsagittal section of the mandible, the sagittal sections of the right and left temporomandibular joints and the horizontal section containing the heads of right and left temporomandibular joints, were imaged simultaneously. The imaging was conducted in 10 male and female volunteers.

Results: In all volunteers, the relationship of the mandibular movement on the median line with the right and left temporomandibular joints was observed. Images of the volunteers with trismus indicated the condition in which the right and left temporomandibular joints did not move in keeping with each other but moved independently from each other.

Conclusion: Complex movement of the temporomandibular joint was first evaluated by simultaneous multiple cross-sectional MRI for the movement of mandible and temporomandibular joints.