Standardization of the ultrasound examination of the masseter muscle with size-independent calculation of records

BACKGROUND As ultrasonography provides objective parameters and values, it is a reliable method of examining the structure dimensions masseter muscle. Although well known, there no standardization in clinical examination data analysis yet. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to measure muscle thickness designated areas establish most repeatable clinically applicable ultrasound examination, assess differences measurements for purposes by devising size-independent parameter. parameter may potentially be more than distance records, which are affected size subject. MATERIAL AND METHODS An 124 muscles was performed. Axial 3 horizontal regions (lower, middle upper) coronal 2 vertical (proximal distal) carried out. Masseter measured every area when relaxed (muscle at rest (RMT)) with clenched teeth (contracted (CMT)). A morphological independent functional index difference (FITD) calculated. RESULTS revealed very high statistical between RMT CMT (p < 0.0001) all but location variations. significantly differed depending on examined transducer projection. CONCLUSIONS showed that differs area. authors emphasize necessity examine specified both axial projections achieve examination. Notable value assigned FITD, from