Therapeutic efficacy of intra-articular betamethasone injection and comparative assessment of temporomandibular joint pathologies using cone-beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Purpose: To investigate the radiographic characteristics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to examine the therapeutic effectiveness of intra-articular betamethasone injection in the management of TMJ pathologies. Methods: A total of forty (40) patients diagnosed with suspected TMJ disorders (study group) and 40 healthy volunteers (control group) who underwent comprehensive examinations in the Department of Stomatology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province, China were enrolled in this study. All participants underwent CBCT and MRI imaging to assess structural characteristics of TMJ, evaluate changes in condylar morphology, presence of disc displacement, and detection of joint effusion. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in image quality between CBCT and MRI modalities (p > 0.05). There was significant difference in posterior joint space, condylar dimensions (internal and external), and anterior/posterior condylar dimensions in both CBCT and MRI assessments between study and control groups (p < 0.05). There was also significant difference in condylar bone morphology using CBCT and MRI scans between the study and control groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, visual analog scale (VAS) scores of patients in the study group were significantly lower than those of control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging provides superior visualization of the articular disc and surrounding soft tissues, while CBCT offers better delineation of bony structures. Intra-articular betamethasone injection therapy significantly improves efficacy, reduces pain, improves joint function, and increases mouth opening in the management of TMJ disorders. Further studies should include comprehensive outcome measures and assessment tools to provide a more robust evaluation of treatment effects and overall patient well-being.