Comparison of planar scintigraphy and bone SPECT with clinical findings and other imaging modalities in temporomandibular disorder patients

측두하악관절장애 환자에서의 평면 골 스캔 및 Bone SPECT 소견과 임상적 및 영상학적 소견과의 비교

Purpose : This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of both planar and SPECT imagings by comparing the results with the clinical and other imaging modalities findings. Materials and Methods: A total of 578 joints with TMJ complaints were examined using planar scintigraphy and SPECT. The planar scintigraphy and SPECT findings were analyzed and compared to the clinical findings of pain, clicking, crepitus and limitation of mouth opening. Moreover we compared the accuracy of the planar scintigraphy and SPECT methods with the one of the panoramic, transcranial, tomographic and MR imaging methods. Results: The planar scintigraphy and SPECT methods showed a high sensitivity of 0.76-0.84 and low specificity of 0.25-0.45 toward the clinical findings: pain, clicking, crepitus and mouth opening restriction. Simple radionuclide uptake ratio was high in each group of patients with pain, crepitus, limitation of mouth opening (p < 0.05) complaints, in each group with positive bone changes on panoramic, transcranial or tomographic images, and in disc displaced group. Conclusion: Although both planar and SPECT imagings have limited specificity, these techniques are sensitive for detection of internal derangement of the TMJ.