An ultrasound working table as diagnostic tool of temporomandibular joint inflammation

Purpose: To evaluate the use of ultrasound (US) in identifying the inflammatory or not inflammatory changes in different diseases that involve the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Methods: 165 patients [50 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), 30 Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), 15 Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and 70 Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)] were studied by US with a linear probe 12-16 MHz (MyLABX8 eXP, ESAOTE S.p.A., Milan, Italy) placed along the axis of the mandibular branch. US results were compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: In TMJ, US identified joint effusion (JE), as well as disc displacement and modifications of the condylar profile. The specificity of US in comparison with MRI was 90.3% for JE, 75.2% for disc displacement, and 48.1% for condylar alterations. The sensitivity of US in comparison with MRI was 92.4% in the assessment of JE, 72% in the assessment of disc displacement, and 53% in the assessment of condylar alterations. Conclusions: US must be performed to define the inflammatory or not inflammatory changes of TMJ in different diseases adopting a specific working table. Moreover, the resulting disability may induce a significant loss of workdays for short and close periods with consequently high cost for the health care system.