Victor Forge
The masseter muscle is a muscle of the jaw. It can be assessed using various imaging techniques including ultrasound scanning, Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Ultrasound imaging is particularly suitable for imaging superficial structures of the head and neck region and is a good choice for larger-scale studies. It is also economical, accurate for soft tissue assessment, rapid, non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Ultrasound scanning, Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
| Advantages of Ultrasound | Economical, rapid diagnosis, non-invasive, no ionizing radiation |
| Ultrasound equipment | Aloka Prosound α6 (Hitachi Aloka Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) |
| Ultrasound equipment specifications | Equipped with an 8 MHz-wide bandwidth linear active matrix transducer (ranging from 1 to 15 MHz) |
| Intellispace | Ability to measure the volume of a selected structure (e.g., the masseter muscle) using the TumorTracking feature |
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What You'll Learn
Ultrasonography
Ultrasound imaging of the masseter muscle was first attempted by Kiliaridis and Kälebo in 1991, followed by Bakke et al. in 1992, and Raadsheer et al. in 1994. Since then, it has been used to measure the thickness of the masseter muscle in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis, as well as in healthy individuals. The thickness and hardness of the masseter muscle were evaluated at rest and at maximum bite using ultrasonography.
In dentistry, ultrasound has been used to make simple thickness measurements of the masseter muscle, as well as to evaluate the neck nodes and the submandibular and sublingual glands. The development of new intraoral ultrasound probes has expanded the use of ultrasonography in dental applications, including pulpal diagnosis and vascular measurements.
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Computerized Tomography (CT)
CT is a reliable and accurate method for determining the thickness of the masseter muscle. It offers several advantages over other imaging techniques such as ultrasound (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). CT provides detailed images of the masseter muscle, allowing for precise measurements of its thickness. It is particularly useful for assessing the muscle in patients with dental issues or Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
CT imaging of the masseter muscle is typically performed with the patient's teeth in a relaxed position and during maximal clenching. This allows for the evaluation of the muscle's appearance and thickness under different conditions. The effect of age and gender on muscle appearance and thickness can also be assessed using CT imaging.
Additionally, CT can be used to measure the volume of the masseter muscle. Software tools, such as Intellispace, utilise the TumorTracking feature to rapidly and accurately measure the volume of the masseter muscle. This provides valuable information for assessing muscle mass and body composition.
While CT is a valuable tool for assessing the masseter muscle, it is important to consider its limitations and potential risks. CT imaging involves exposure to ionizing radiation, which can be a concern for patients undergoing repeated or long-term assessments. In such cases, ultrasound imaging may be preferred due to its non-invasive nature and lack of ionizing radiation.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI scans of the head, particularly T1-weighted MRI data, can be used to assess the masseter muscle. This type of scan is commonly used for assessing brain morphology in neurological examinations. By measuring the size of the masseter muscle in millimetres on T1 axial sections, clinicians can make preoperative diagnoses and perform postoperative controls.
Additionally, MRI can be combined with other techniques, such as muscle function magnetic resonance imaging (mfMRI) and 31 P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), to investigate muscle fatigue in patients with jaw deformities. The transverse relaxation time (T2 time) of mfMRI and MRS can provide valuable information about the masseter muscle's function and health.
While computed tomography (CT) is currently the preferred method for imaging masseteric lesions, MRI shows greater potential for the future due to its ability to depict soft tissue lesions and neighbouring bony involvement with high clarity.
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Dental status
Ultrasound scanning is a suitable method for larger-scale studies as it is economical, rapid, non-invasive, and does not use ionizing radiation. It is also accurate for soft tissue assessment.
The thickness of the masseter muscle is measured in dentate and edentulous patients at rest and during maximum contraction bilaterally. The visibility and width of the internal echogenic bands of the masseter muscle are also assessed, and the muscle appearance is classified as one of three types.
Additionally, the effect of age and gender on muscle appearance and thickness in dentate and edentulous patients is evaluated.
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Craniofacial structure
The craniofacial structure is one of the factors that influences the characteristics of the masseter muscle. To assess the masseter muscle, clinicians can use ultrasonography to measure its thickness. This technique is particularly useful for imaging the superficial structures of the head and neck region. It is also a simple, rapid, non-invasive, and economical method that does not use ionizing radiation.
Ultrasonography allows for the measurement of the masseter muscle thickness during teeth occlusion, relaxation, and contraction. The visibility and width of the internal echogenic bands of the masseter muscle can also be assessed through this technique.
Additionally, other imaging techniques such as Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to measure masseter muscle thickness. However, ultrasound imaging is often preferred due to its advantages over CT and MRI, including its suitability for larger-scale studies and soft tissue assessment.
Furthermore, Intellispace software, with its TumorTracking feature, can be used to measure the volume of the masseter muscle. This software enables rapid tracking and analysis of the muscle's characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle can be assessed using various imaging techniques including ultrasound scanning, Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Ultrasound imaging is particularly suitable for imaging superficial structures of the head and neck region.
The purpose of assessing the masseter muscle is to measure its thickness. The thickness of the masseter muscle can be measured at rest and at maximum contraction bilaterally.
The characteristics of the masseter muscle are dependent on various factors such as dental status and craniofacial structure.
