METHOD OF DETECTING PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN TEMPORAL-MANDIBULAR JOINTS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: radiodiagnostics. SUBSTANCE: scanning is performed in axial projection using computer or magnet-resonance tomography. In thus obtained images, one determines width and density, and, in case of magnet-resonance tomography, also intensity and homogeneity of signal of lateral pterygoid, medial pterygoid, and masseteric muscles. One determines then values of angles formed by intersection of transverse axes of joint heads to longitudinal axes of mandibular branches from two sides and location of presumed intersection point of transverse axes of joint heads. Musculoarticular dysfunctions are detected in case of extension of lateral pterygoid muscle on one side and masseteric and/or medial pterygoid muscle on the other side in combination with displacement of intersection point of transverse axes of joint heads toward expanded lateral pterygoid muscle up to 0.3 cm, if parameters of condylo-coronoid angles from two sides are comparable. Initial manifestations of arthrosis of temporal-mandibular joint (stages I-II) are detected in case of increase of lateral pterygoid muscle on one side and masseteric and/or medial pterygoid muscle on the other side in combination with decrease of condylo-coronoid angle on the side of expanded lateral pterygoid muscle and displacement of intersection point of transverse axes of joint heads from median line in direction opposite to hypertrophied lateral pterygoid muscle by 0.3 cm and more. EFFECT: increased detection accuracy.