Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging black bone sequence for mandibular fracture diagnosis and dislocation measurement

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the quality of diagnostic assessment of three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted fast field echo (FFE) "black bone" magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in comparison to the gold standard computed tomography (CT) in patients with mandible fractures. All consecutive patients who presented with mandibular fractures between the mandibular and mental foramen were included and received an MRI in addition to the standard CT (reference). The patient collective's epidemiological data were analyzed, and the images of CT and MRI were assessed regarding the degree of mandibular fracture dislocation in all three planes. In total, 28 patients were included and no statistically significant difference between the measured dislocations between the two modalities were registered. The evaluation of mandibular fracture dislocation using a T1-FFE "black bone" sequence was feasible and comparable to standard CT imaging. Non-ionizing imaging methods might become a useful alternative to conventional CT in the assessment of acute traumatic injury of the mandible, providing a valid option to reduce radiation, particularly in young patients.

Keywords: ALARA principle; Black bone; CT-Like MRI; Mandible; Mandibular fracture; Trauma assessment.