Diagnostic accuracy of MRI–CBCT fused images in assessment of clinically diagnosed internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Fused (MRI)–CBCT images in the assessment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.MethodsMRI and CBCT images of the TMJ were evaluated bilaterally in 10 patients with clinically diagnosed internal derangement. Image fusion was performed using Amira 3D Software (version 5.4.3, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.).ResultsThe AUC index for MRI–CBCT fused images was 0.83, which was significantly different from the null hypothesis value of 0.5. This was confirmed by inter-examiner reliability index of 0.87, which is statistically significant.ConclusionMRI–CBCT fused images can significantly improve the accuracy and inter-examiner reliability in the evaluation of clinically diagnosed cases with internal derangement.