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. 2010 Dec;39(8):494-500.
doi: 10.1259/dmfr/80928433.

Evaluation of the lateral pterygoid muscle using magnetic resonance imaging

S M D'Ippolito  1 , A M Borri Wolosker, G D'Ippolito, B Herbert de Souza, M Fenyo-Pereira
Affiliations

Evaluation of the lateral pterygoid muscle using magnetic resonance imaging

S M D'Ippolito et al. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2010 Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the visibility of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) images obtained by MRI, using different projections and to compare image findings with clinical symptoms of patients with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods: In this study, LPM images of 50 participants with and without TMDs were investigated by MRI. The images of the LPM in different projections of 100 TMJs from 35 participants (70 TMJs) with and 15 participants (30 TMJs) without clinical signs and symptoms of TMD were visible and analysed.

Results: The oblique sagittal and axial images of the TMJ clearly showed the LPM. Hypertrophy (1.45%), atrophy (2.85%) and contracture (2.85%) were the abnormalities found in the LPM. TMD signs, such as hypermobility (11.4%), hypomobility (12.9%) and disc displacement (20.0%), could be seen in TMJ images. Related clinical symptoms, such as pain (71.4%), articular sounds (30.4%), bruxism (25.7%) and headache (22.9%), were observed.

Conclusions: Patients with TMD can present with alterations in the LPM thickness. Patients without TMD also showed alterations, such as atrophy and contracture, in TMJ images. Recognition of alterations in the LPM will improve our understanding of clinical symptoms and pathophysiology of TMD, and may lead to a more specific diagnosis of these disorders.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) atrophy; (b) hypertrophy; (c) contracture
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of axial measurements of lateral pterygoid muscle (mm) into patient groups and gender. TMD, temporomandibular disorders
Figure 3
Figure 3
Distribution of lateral pterygoid muscle morphology into patient groups and face sides. TMD, temporomandibular disorders
Figure 4
Figure 4
Distribution of anterior disc displacement into patient groups and face sides. ADDWR, anterior disc displacement with reduction; ADDWoR, anterior disc displacement without reduction; TMD, temporomandibular disorders
Figure 5
Figure 5
Distribution of mandible head mobility into patient groups and face sides. TMD, temporomandibular disorders
Figure 6
Figure 6
Sagittal sections: (a) closed mouth; (b) open mouth
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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