Funding outcome

Childhood Arthritis (inflammation of the joints) affects 1 in 1000 Canadian children. Almost all children with arthritis will experience involvement of the temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ. The TMJ is a complex joint consisting of different parts which together connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow the mouth to open and close. TMJ arthritis can affect the growth of the lower jaw and cause facial and dental deformities with serious consequences such as limited jaw motion and pain, compromising the quality of life. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to diagnose arthritis, but CBCT has a high radiation dose, MRI is difficult to access in our health system, and both are costly. For MRI the patient has to stay still for several minutes, which is a challenge for children and may require general anesthesia. Ultrasound is a radiation-free imaging modality that is widely used elsewhere in the body. It is cheaper and more comfortable for patients. New ultrasound devices are handheld, portable, and can be transported to different healthcare facilities and remote areas. Ultrasound has been demonstrated to be a potential tool to diagnose TMJ arthritis. We are interested in studying the capability of a portable handheld ultrasound device with the help of artificial intelligence to diagnose TMJ arthritis in children. With ultrasound, TMJ arthritis could be diagnosed earlier and treatment monitored more easily, leading to positive impacts on children's health.