Comparison between 1.5 and 3 Tesla MR Imaging of the Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ)

Purpose: To compare TMJ imaging using a standard 1.5T protocol with a new 3.0T high resolution approach. Methods: 15 volunteers underwent bilateral MRI of the TMJ. MRI was performed with 1.5T (standard TMJ coil) and 3.0T (purpose build phased array coil) MR system (Gyroscan Intera; Philips Medical Systems). Imaging protocols consisted of sagittal PD-TSE in open and closed mouth and coronal PD-TSE sequences in closed mouth technique. Total examination time (15min) was similar for both systems. Acquisition parameters were adjusted for 3.0T and voxel size was reduced from 0.29×0.29×3.0mm (1.5T) to 0.15×0.15×1.5mm (…