The relationship between temporomandibular joint mobility and peripheral joint mobility reconsidered

Temporomandibular joint vibrations from totally asymptomatic subjects

OBJECTIVE

Precisely characterize the TMJ vibrations of a youthful, adult and completely asymptomatic population.

METHODS

TMJ vibrations were recorded from 237 asymptomatic subjects (163 f, 74 m) at Dayananda Sagar Institute in India. The subjects were selected, examined and informed (WMA Helsinki Declaration). TMJ vibrations were recorded bilaterally during maximal open - close. 6 parameters of the vibrations were analyzed between the left and right sides, between genders and with respect to age.

RESULTS

Mean vibration intensity was greater for females (p < 0.01) than males. A portion of the frequency spectrum < 300 Hz was also more intense for females (p < 0.022). Females 18 - 20 years old exhibited higher Peak Amplitude than 27 - 30 year olds (p < 0.025) and lower Median Frequency (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant difference in TMJ vibrations was present between males and females, increased with age in females but not in males.

Temporomandibular joint soft-tissue pathology, I: Disc abnormalities

The internal derangements are the most common noninflammatory abnormalities of the disc, observed even in asymptomatic subjects. Because the temporomandibular joint shows large adaptative and compensatory mechanisms over dysfunctional disc motion, these disorders may be asymptomatic or minimally evident for a long time. A careful clinical evaluation, reinforced by imaging findings, should help differentiate asymptomatic derangements from painful conditions that may require treatment.

Generalized joint hypermobility as a factor in clicking of the temporomandibular joint

Twenty-six patients with clicking or locking of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and 28 age- and sex-matched controls were assessed for generalized joint hypermobility by BEIGHTON's method. Function of the masticatory apparatus was measured with FRICTON's Craniomandibular Index. The TMJ patients had significantly higher joint mobility scores, but within the patient group there was no correlation between either the dysfunction or palpation scores and the hypermobility scores. The findings are interpreted as supporting multiple causes of TMJ internal derangement, one of which is a systemic joint factor.