The impact of MRI on outcomes for symptomatic TMJD patients

Cross, N., Liyanage, S., Crawford, J. and Goodall, C. (2015) The impact of MRI on outcomes for symptomatic TMJD patients. Oral Surgery, 8(2), p. 116. (doi: 10.1111/ors.12156)

Abstract

Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a common and frequently prescribed imaging tool in TMJD diagnosis. However, evidence suggests little benefit from the information obtained from these images on final diagnosis and patient management. The therapeutic efficacy of imaging modalities also needs to be considered especially in an environment of limited health service budgets. This study looks at whether the use of MRI impacted on the management of patients with symptomatic TMJD especially in terms of surgical outcomes where it is a pre-requisite for this management modality. Methods: Consecutive records of patients referred for MRI scanning of the temporomandibular joints from October 2011 to March 2014 were retrieved for patients visiting Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinics at the Glasgow Dental Hospital. Details recorded included: demographics, type and duration of symptoms, treatment prior to scan, recorded diagnosis, MRI report and outcome post MRI. Results: 67 patients were referred for MRI scanning of both temporomandibular joints. Of these 64 underwent MRI scanning. Of the 64 patients scanned, 8 (12.5%) went on to have surgery. All surgical procedures were either unilateral or bilateral arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joints. A further 2 patients (3.1%) are planned for bilateral arthrocentesis, 5 patients (7.8%) are awaiting maxillofacial assessment and 1 patient (1.6%) is awaiting review of imaging prior to final treatment planning. The remaining 48 patients (75%) were treated nonsurgically or discharged. Conclusion: While imaging modalities such as MRI may be considered a necessary step in the diagnosis of TMJ diseases, care should be taken not to use these indiscriminately, especially when considering the impact their findings can have on surgical outcomes.

• Item Type: Articles (Other)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Goodall, Professor Christine
• Authors: Cross, N., Liyanage, S., Crawford, J., and Goodall, C.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RD Surgery
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Research Group: Community Oral Health
• Journal Name: Oral Surgery
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1752-2471
• ISSN (Online): 1752-248X