A prevalence study of the clinical signs associated with mandibular dysfunction

Incidence and Clinical Presentation of Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disorders and their Association with Psychological Distress and Para-Functional Habits in a Non-Patient Population

Purpose

The study aims at finding the incidence of temporo-mandibular joint disorders (TMDs) in a non-patient population and relates their association with psychological distress and parafunctional habits.

Materials and Methods

A DC/TMD questionnaire and DASS-21 scale survey were completed by selected participants followed by clinical examination of TMDs symptoms in sample population.

Results

A study sample of 855 participants revealed 36.65% population with various TMDs symptoms, while 63.5% population had no TMDs symptoms. 50.8% study participants were men, and 49.2% were women. Of all affected population, 16.2% had pain-related TMDs, 12.39% had intra-articular TMDs symptoms, and 8.07% had TMJ pain associated with pain or dysfunction. For all TMDs symptoms groups, the strongest correlations were for depression, while no significant associations were observed with parafunctional habits in all groups.

Conclusions

Overall psychological distress and anxiety increased the prospects of TMDs symptoms. Clinical factors like muscle tenderness, crossbite and deep vertical overlap seem to be significant etiological factors, while angle molar relationship and parafunctional habits do not seem to be significant etiologic factors in TMDs.

Outcomes of treatment with genioplasty and temporomandibular joint anchorage surgery

BACKGROUND

Anterior Disc Displacement without Reduction (ADDwoR) in adolescence can result in condylar resorption which produces mandibular retrusion/deviation (MR/D) in adulthood. This study aims to analyze the therapeutic effect of simultaneous genioplasty and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anchorage surgery on ADDwoR with MR/D patients.

METHODS

During 2016-2018, ADDwoR with MR/D cases were included and underwent TMJ anchorage surgery and genioplasty guided by digital design. Pre-/Post-surgical clinical manifestations, facial photography, radiographic data, facial shape satisfaction of clinicians/patients/third-party were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 32 cases (52 joints) were included. The average age was 24.09. Ratio of male/female was 4/28. Visual analog pain scale (VAS) score pre-/post-surgical ranged from 3 to 9 and 0-3, with an average of 6.03 and 1.18 (p < 0.01). Maximal mouth opening pre-/post-surgical ranged from 16 to 33 mm and 33-40 mm, with an average of 22.43 mm and 36.46 mm (p < 0.01). MRI was completed and showed stable disc reduction without recurrence 1 year postoperatively. MR/D was corrected and a better face shape was obtained. The satisfaction rate of clinicians, patients and third-parties was 92.375%, 94.156% and 94.218%, with an average of 93.583%.

CONCLUSION

For ADDwoR with MR/D patients, simultaneous TMJ anchorage surgery and genioplasty can improve TMJ symptoms/functions, correct facial appearance, and enhance the degree of satisfaction. The postoperative effect is stable, safe and reliable, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Thoracic spine manipulation did not improve maximal mouth opening in participants with temporomandibular dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) have a prevalence of more than 5% in the general population. A positive correlation exists between temporomandibular joint mobility and cervical spine mobility. Similarly, a relationship exists between thoracic and cervical spine mobility. However, it is unknown if interventions to improve the mobility of the thoracic spine positively impact temporomandibular joint motion and pain. This study tested the hypothesis that a single thoracic thrust joint manipulation (TJM) would improve maximum mouth opening (MMO) compared with participants without TMD as well as decrease TMD symptoms.

METHODS

Forty-eight people with TMD (30.9 years old ±11.3) and 55 people without TMD (28.5 years old ±9.2) participated. Both groups received a seated upper thoracic TJM and were measured for MMO before and immediately following the TJM. The duration of TMD symptoms and pre-thrust current pain, using the 11-point Verbal Pain Rating Scale (VPRS), was recorded in the TMD group. Participants in the TMD group were contacted 2-3 days after TJM to report current VPRS and improvement utilizing the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale.

RESULTS

No difference in MMO treatment response over time was observed between groups (p = .56). The MMO in the TMD group improved from 40 to 41.3 mm, and the non-TMD similarly improved from 44.5 to 45.4 mm. The VPRS decreased from 2.4 (±1.8) to 1.3 (±1.5) following thoracic TJM (p < .001), and the average GROC score was 1.8 (±2.25), which was statistically different than zero (no change; p < .001). The duration of TMD symptoms prior to TJM was not associated with GROC scores (r = .018, p = .90) or VPRS change scores (r = -.07, p = .64).

CONCLUSION

The observed treatment effects did not exceed previously reported standards for clinical relevance (5 mm and 2 points, respectively).

Correlation of Condylar Translation During Maximal Mouth Opening with Presence of Signs of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in an Asymptomatic Population of 18-25 Years Age Group of Northern India

Objective(s):

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of “subluxation” and presence of clinical signs of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) in asymptomatic individuals and its distribution according to age and sex.

Materials and Methods:

The material investigated comprised of 200 asymptomatic subjects with 400 joints. The subjects were divided into two groups of 18-25 years and 50-60 years of age consisting of equal number of males and females. Clinical examination involved measurement of maximal inter-incisal distance, joint sounds and deviation. For radiological examination, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) open mouth close mouth view option (TMJ1/2) was used on a Digital Panoramic Machine. All the radiographs were traced to assess subluxation and anterior translation of the condyle. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, version 15.0 for Windows).

Results:

The prevalence of the signs of TMDs in the asymptomatic population was found to be very high and more predominant in females as compared to males. Furthermore, the older age group had comparatively less signs of TMDs. It was of interest that the subjects presenting with clinical signs of TMD were significantly less as compared to the subjects presenting with subluxation. The value of anterior translation was found to be more in females in the younger age group as compared to the males. Similarly, it was more in males as compared to females in older age group. But the mean anterior translation difference in females in 18-25 years and 50-60 years showed a statistically significant difference with P-value 0.017.

Conclusion:

Subluxation is a very common feature found in almost all the subjects in this study with a high prevalence. Hence, we may assume that the increased incidence of TMDs could be a direct result of the phenomena of subluxation. The decrease in mandibular length could be the cause of decreased mouth opening and increased subluxation.

TMJ inferior compartment arthroplasty procedure through a 25-year follow-up (functional arthroplasty)

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) "functional arthroplasty" on the inferior compartment and disc reposition as a surgical treatment for internal derangement (ID).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

By retrospective chart review, all patients who had TMJ surgery on the inferior compartment for TMJ ID from 1985 to 2010 were identified. Their charts were reviewed and subjective data as well as objective data was collected.

RESULTS

The chart review yielded 352 patients treated through this approach for a total of 696 joints involved. Analysis of the data showed that there was a good health improvement. The mid VAS about pre surgical TMJ pain was 58.3, after surgery 7.7. About headache and cervical pain the pre surgery mid VAS was 47.7, after surgery 16.7.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome data presented show that TMJ surgery on the inferior compartment and disc reposition could be an effective and successful surgical treatment of TMJ ID. This success has been seen and maintained also in long term follow up in this specific patient population. For this reason, we propose to call this procedure "functional arthroplasty".

Surgical treatment of adolescent internal condylar resorption (AICR) with articular disc repositioning and orthognathic surgery in the growing patient--a pilot study

Background

The aim of this study was to better understand how surgical repositioning and stabilization of anteriorly displaced articular discs using the Mitek mini-anchor technique affects condylar growth in growing patients with adolescent internal condylar resorption (AICR).

Methods

Twenty-two adolescent patients diagnosed with AICR and anterior temporomandibular disc displacement were compared to untreated control subjects without AICR matched for age, sex, and Angle classification. Pre-surgical (T1 and T2) and post-surgical (T3 and T4) mandibular tracings were superimposed on natural stable structures to evaluate the horizontal, vertical, and total changes in the position of condylion.

Results

The treated group showed an overall decrease in condylar height pre-surgically and statistically significant changes in condylar growth direction between the pre- and post-surgical observation periods. Pre-surgically, the treated group showed significantly more posterior condylar growth than the control group; they also showed inferior condylar growth, while the controls showed superior growth. Controls and patients in the treated group showed no significant differences in condylar growth post-surgically.

Conclusions

Adolescent patients diagnosed with AICR and anterior disc displacement treated with mandibular ramus and maxillary osteotomies, along with Mitek anchors to reposition internally deranged discs, showed post-surgical normalization of condylar growth.

Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction and pain in adult general practice patients

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and related pain (TMD-pain) among adult recall patients in general dental practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2006 to September 2008, all adults attending a Swedish Public Dental Service (PDS) clinic for recall examination were asked two standardized questions about temporomandibular pain and dysfunction. Mouth-opening capacity was measured. The responses to the questions and mouth-opening capacity were combined to give a TMD-pain score, on a scale of 0-3. The patients' acceptance of their TMD condition was also noted.

RESULTS

The subjects comprised 2837 adults (53% females, 47% men). Of the total sample, 4.9% reported a TMD-pain score of 1-3. The gender difference was significant: women predominated (p < 0.003). Forty-three per cent of those with TMD-pain scores of 1-3 (36% men, 47% women) considered that the condition warranted treatment, especially those registering a pain score (significant difference between pain and dysfunction groups, p < 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

The TMD-pain score shows promise as a useful instrument for detecting and recording TMD-pain. The prevalence of TMD disclosed in the study is high enough to be considered a public health concern. Most of the subjects with lower scores on the TMD-pain scale accepted their condition as not severe enough to require treatment.

Standardization of muscle palpation- methodological considerations

OBJECTIVES

To compare test-retest variability of palpation between a new palpometer and manual palpation using (1) right or left hand, (2) index or middle finger, (3) randomized or fixed sequence of force levels, (4) palpation on soft or hard surface, and (5) palpation for 2 or 10 seconds.

METHODS

Twelve clinicians were instructed to target 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kg on a force meter using a palpometer (adjustable spring-coil with a small pin touching the examiner's hand when the correct pressure is achieved) and manual palpation with right or left hand, index or middle finger, randomized or fixed sequence of force levels, on hard or soft surface, and for 2 or 10 seconds. During all experiments, 10 force measures were taken and variability was determined as coefficient of variation (CV) and compared with analyses of variance.

RESULTS

In all experiments, the palpometer had lower variability compared with manual palpation (P<0.001). There were no differences between the CVs of right and left hand (P=0.122), index and middle finger (P=0.240), and soft and hard surface (P=0.240). Random sequence of force levels had higher CVs than fixed sequence with manual palpation (P=0.004), but not with palpometer (P=0.856). CVs for 2 seconds palpation were higher than 10 seconds (P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The palpometer had low test-retest variability and provided a more accurate and reproducible pressure stimulus than manual palpation. The findings of this study may help to standardize palpation of human muscles required for accurate and reliable diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain conditions.

Clinical findings and pain symptoms as potential risk factors for chronic TMD: descriptive data and empirically identified domains from the OPPERA case-control study

Clinical characteristics might be associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) because they are antecedent risk factors that increase the likelihood of a healthy person developing the condition or because they represent signs or symptoms of either subclinical or overt TMD. In this baseline case-control study of the multisite Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA) project, 1,633 controls and 185 cases with chronic, painful TMD completed questionnaires and received clinical examinations. Odds ratios measuring association between each clinical factor and TMD were computed, with adjustment for study-site as well as age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Compared to controls, TMD cases reported more trauma, greater parafunction, more headaches and other pain disorders, more functional limitation in using the jaw, more nonpain symptoms in the facial area, more temporomandibular joint noises and jaw locking, more neural or sensory medical conditions, and worse overall medical status. They also exhibited on examination reduced jaw mobility, more joint noises, and a greater number of painful masticatory, cervical, and body muscles upon palpation. The results indicated that TMD cases differ substantially from controls across almost all variables assessed. Future analyses of follow-up data will determine whether these clinical characteristics predict increased risk for developing first-onset pain-related TMD PERSPECTIVE: Clinical findings from OPPERA's baseline case-control study indicate significant differences between chronic TMD cases and controls with respect to trauma history, parafunction, other pain disorders, health status, and clinical examination data. Future analyses will examine their contribution to TMD onset.

A Study on Prevalence of Dental Attrition and its Relation to Factors of Age, Gender and to the Signs of TMJ Dysfunction

A study was planned to determine the severity of dental attrition in adults of both sexes in different age groups and its possible relationship to temporomandibular disorders. 500 subjects comprising of 260 females and 240 males in the age group of 18-55 years were clinically examined for bruxism, attrition, and signs of temporomandibular disorders. Tooth sensitivity, tooth or restoration fracture, scalloping of tongue, ridging of buccal mucosa, TMJ sounds, muscle tenderness, TMJ tenderness, referred pain, pain on mouth opening and limitation of mouth opening were recorded along with attrition score in a proforma. The basic data was then analysed to arrive at certain conclusions. A high prevalence of attrition (88.0%) with increase in age (P < 0.00) and was seen more in males as compared to females (P < 0.01). On comparing attrition with some of the signs of bruxism it was shown that tooth or restoration fracture and scalloping of tongue had no relation to the severity of attrition score. Whereas a significant relation was seen between attrition and tooth sensitivity (P < 0.00), and ridging of buccal mucosa (P < 0.05). Muscle tenderness (P < 0.00), pain on mouth opening (P < 0.05) and deviation of mandible on mouth opening (P < 0.00) had significant relation to attrition. Other signs of temporomandibular disorders such as joint tenderness, referred pain, joint sounds and limitation of mouth opening had no relation to attrition score. This study showed a limited association between the severity of attrition and TMJ dysfunction.

Principais instrumentos para avaliação da disfunção temporomandibular, parte I: índices e questionários; uma contribuição para a prática clínica e de pesquisa

Na literatura especializada, encontram-se variados instrumentos para avaliação da disfunção temporomandibular (DTM), sob a forma de índices, questionários, protocolos, escalas de avaliação e critérios de diagnóstico. Este estudo, dividido em duas partes, visou caracterizar os principais instrumentos de avaliação da DTM disponíveis na literatura, para auxiliar o clínico e o pesquisador na correta escolha da ferramenta apropriada para contemplar seus objetivos clínicos ou científicos. Nesta parte I são apresentados dois índices clínicos e três questionários (anamnésicos e funcionais); na parte II, um questionário funcional e dois conjuntos de critérios diagnósticos. Os índices são ferramentas que organizam a avaliação de sinais e sintomas, pela obtenção de pontuações. Os questionários são melhor aplicados para traçar perfis populacionais em estudos epidemiológicos. Para avaliação dos eventuais impactos da DTM nas atividades de vida diária, os questionários funcionais são mais adequados. Finalmente, há poucos conjuntos de critérios sistematizados para obter o diagnóstico da disfunção. A utilização de uma ou outra ferramenta depende de sua aplicabilidade e dos objetivos do profissional que a irá utilizar.

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and oral parafunctions in urban Saudi Arabian adolescents: a research report

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral parafunction habits among Saudi adolescents in the permanent dentition stage.

METHODS

A total of 385 (230 females and 155 males) school children age 12-16, completed a questionnaire and were examined clinically. A stratified selection technique was used for schools allocation.

RESULTS

The results showed that 21.3% of the subjects exhibited at least one sign of TMD and females were generally more affected than males. Joint sounds were the most prevalent sign (13.5%) followed by restricted opening (4.7%) and opening deviation (3.9%). The amplitude of mouth opening, overbite taken into consideration, was 46.5 mm and 50.2 mm in females and males respectively. TMJ pain and muscle tenderness were rare (0.5%). Reported symptoms were 33%, headache being the most frequent symptom 22%, followed by pain during chewing 14% and hearing TMJ noises 8.7%. Difficulty during jaw opening and jaw locking were rare. Lip/cheek biting was the most common parafunction habit (41%) with females significantly more than males, followed by nail biting (29%). Bruxism and thumb sucking were only 7.4% and 7.8% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of TMD signs were 21.3% with joint sounds being the most prevalent sign. While TMD symptoms were found to be 33% as, with headache being the most prevalent. Among the oral parafunctions, lip/cheek biting was the most prevalent 41% followed by nail biting 29%.

Is the posterior belly of the digastric muscle palpable? A qualitative systematic review of the literature

Palpation of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle in the postmandibular region is included in many study protocols and examination schemes of the masticatory system. The aim of the present investigation was to systematically search the dental/medical literature to find evidence for the palpability of this muscle. In August 2004, a systematic search was carried out using different electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Japana Centra Revuo Medicina, MedPilot, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, and three on-line databases of dental journals not listed currently in Medline), supplemented by manual search in the Austrian journal Stomatologie. Additional manual searches were carried out in the Journal of Orofacial Pain and Journal of Dental Research to identify pertinent abstracts of scientific congresses. One relevant hit was found in the Japanese database. The manual search showed one pertinent congress abstract. In both publications, the authors concluded that due to anatomical reasons the posterior belly of the digastric muscle was not palpable. Hence, evidence is lacking that the posterior digastric muscle is accessible to palpation. Because the postmandibular region is usually tender upon palpation, a high incidence of positive findings can be expected even among healthy subjects. This may lead to wrong clinical judgments, possibly provoking unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

Mandibular movements in children with and without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders

This research aimed to evaluate mandibular movements in children with and without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. The sample taken consisted of 99 children aged 3 to 5 years distributed in two groups: I - Absence of signs and/or symptoms of TMD (25 girls/40 boys); II - Presence of signs and symptoms of TMD (16 girls/18 boys). The symptoms were evaluated through an anamnesis questionnaire answered by the child's parents/caretakers. The clinical signs were evaluated through intra- and extraoral examination. Maximum mouth opening and left/right lateral movements were measured using a digital caliper. The maximum protrusive movement was measured using a millimeter ruler. The means and standard deviations for maximum mouth opening in Group I and Group II were 40.82mm±4.18 and 40.46mm±6.66, respectively. The values found for the left lateral movement were 6.96mm±1.66 for Group I and 6.74mm±1.55 for Group II, while for the right lateral movement they were 6.46mm±1.53 and 6.74mm±1.77. The maximum protrusion movements were 5.67mm±1.76 and 6.12mm±1.92, in Groups I and II, respectively. The mandibular movement ranges neither differed statistically between groups nor between genders. FAPESP Process 96/0714-6.

Symptoms and signs of temporomandibular disorders and oral parafunctions among Saudi children

This study aimed to record the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral parafunctions among Saudi children. A questionnaire and a clinical examination of signs and symptoms of TMD were performed on 1940 stratified randomly selected schoolchildren. The sample was divided into three groups, 505 with primary, 737 with mixed and 734 with permanent dentition. The prevalence of TMD signs was found to be 20.7% and the most common sign of TMD was joint sounds (11.8%). The second most common sign was restricted mouth opening (5.3%). Muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain as well as deviation upon jaw opening appeared infrequently. TMJ sounds were significantly increasing with age (P < 0.05). TMD symptoms as reported by the parents were evident in 24.2% of the returned questionnaires (1113). The most common symptoms were headache (13.6%) and pain on chewing (11.1%). The incidence of headache was found to be significantly increasing from primary to permanent dentition (P < 0.01). No sex difference in the prevalence of any symptom was reported. Nail biting was the most common oral parafunction (27.7%) while bruxism was the least common (8.4%). All parafunctions except bruxism were significantly related to age. Cheek biting and thumb sucking were reported more in females than in males. The importance of a screening examination for symptoms and signs of TMD should not be overlooked in the clinical assessment of the pediatric patient.

Long-term study of temporomandibular joint surgery with alloplastic implants compared with nonimplant surgery and nonsurgical rehabilitation for painful temporomandibular joint disc displacement

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term objective and subjective outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) implant surgery for the treatment of painful TMJ disc displacement using temporary Silastic (Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, MI), permanent Silastic, or Proplast (Vitek, Houston, TX) implants to replace the disc. These cases were compared with other cases of the same diagnosis treated with either nonsurgical rehabilitation or nonimplant surgery involving discectomy or disc repair procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 466 patients who received treatment for unilateral or bilateral TMJ disc displacement before January 1, 1990. The 5 treatment groups noted above were compared for long-term outcomes. Objective outcome measurements for jaw function were performed using a calibrated examiner and the Craniomandibular Index (CMI). Subjective (self-reported) outcomes were obtained relative to jaw function (Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire [MFIQ]), symptom severity (Symptom Severity Index [SSI]), and the impact of pain (Global Pain Impact [GPI] scale).

RESULTS

The results, adjusted for gender, baseline tomogram score, and baseline symptom scores, showed that the nonsurgical rehabilitation group (n = 159) and the group having TMJ surgery without implants (n = 149) had statistically better results than the group who underwent surgery with a Proplast implant (n = 94). These between-group differences included both objective signs (CMI), and subjective reports of jaw function (MFIQ), symptom severity (SSI), and global pain impact (GPI). The MFIQ score associated with the nonsurgical rehabilitation group was also statistically better than for the Silastic implant groups, including both the temporary (n = 31) and permanent (n = 33) implants. Clinical differences between groups were slight.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the use of interpositional disc implants in TMJ surgery is not associated with improved outcomes when compared with nonimplant surgery or nonsurgical rehabilitation.

The value of maximum jaw motion measurements for distinguishing between common temporomandibular disorder subgroups

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if mandibular motion measurements could be used to distinguish between common temporomandibular disorder (TMD) subgroups that were established on the basis of only clinical signs and symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients were 41 consecutive TMD clinic patients (31 women and 10 men). These patients were divided into 6 typical TMD subgroups. The subgroups were patients with (1) arthromyalgia, (2) arthromyalgia with disk condyle incoordination, (3) disk condyle incoordination only, (4) osteoarthritis, (5) suspected disk displacement without reduction, or (6) other diagnoses.

RESULTS

There were no subjects in the other-diagnosis subgroup and only 1 subject with suspected disk displacement without reduction who was dropped without further consideration. The data for mean age showed that the osteoarthritis subgroup (n = 12) was statistically older (17 years) than the disk-condyle-incoordination-only subgroup (n = 11). The mean age of the other 2 groups, arthromyalgia (n = 11) and arthromyalgia with disk condyle incoordination (n = 6), was between the osteoarthritis and the disk-condyle-incoordination-only subgroups. For the 4 TMD subgroups whose data were analyzed, the mean differences between similar jaw opening measurements ranged from 6 to 8 mm with a standard deviation of approximately 8 to 10 mm. The mean left lateral motions were 0.5 to 1.3 mm larger than observed on the right. The widest mean jaw opening (56 mm) occurred in the disk-condyle-incoordination-only group. These differences were not found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of opening, lateral and protrusive jaw motion data showed these measurements could not reliably differentiate between patients with osteoarthritis, arthromyalgia, arthromyalgia with disk condyle incoordination and disk condyle incoordination only.

Palpation of the lateral pterygoid region in TMD--where is the evidence?

OBJECTIVE

Palpation of the lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle is included in many study protocols and examination schemes of the masticatory system. The aim of this investigation was to search the medical/dental literature to find evidence for the validity and reliability of this diagnostic procedure.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out using different electronic databases (Medline Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Current Contents Connect, Science Citation Index, Web of Science, Japana Centra Revuo Medicina), supplemented by handsearch in selected journals and by examination of the bibliographies of the identified articles.

RESULTS

VALIDITY

As far as the palpability of the inferior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle is concerned, five publications representing four studies could be identified. According to these investigations, the lateral pterygoid muscle is practically inaccessible for intraoral palpation due to topographical and anatomical reasons. Other anatomical structures, such as the superficial head of the medial pterygoid muscle, may be palpated instead in this region. Reliability: Determination of the palpability of the lateral pterygoid muscle is characterized by poor interexaminer agreement. Studies investigating the presence of pain in response to palpation of the lateral pterygoid area revealed a moderate intra- and interindividual reliability. Because of the tenderness of the lateral pterygoid region even among healthy subjects, positive findings may lead to wrong conclusions with regard to the need of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the lack of validity and reliability associated with the palpation of the lateral pterygoid area, this diagnostic procedure should be discarded.

A review of temporomandibular disorder diagnostic techniques

The American Dental Association has approved several devices as aids in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders. Concerns remain, however, about their safety and effectiveness. This article reviews the validity and use of several instruments that claim to serve as aids in the detection of masticatory muscle pain, trismus, joint noises, and limitation of jaw motion. A review of data from 62 published articles indicated that, although commercial devices that measure jaw muscle tenderness, muscle activity levels, joint noises, and jaw motion are safe and can document these phenomena, cost-benefit analyses of these devices have not yet been conducted. Moreover, these devices have not been shown to have stand-alone diagnostic value and, when tested, they have demonstrated unacceptable sensitivity and specificity levels. None of the instruments reviewed in this article can be said to provide more than ancillary documentation.

Orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorder: is there a relationship? Part 2: Clinical implications

Although a review of the current literature does not reveal compelling evidence for the claim that orthodontic treatment prevents, causes, or cures temporomandibular disorders (TMD), the currently available clinical studies devoted to this topic share some methodological weaknesses, some of which are discussed in the present article. Another purpose of this paper is to extend the current understanding about the relationship between orthodontics and TMD to situations occurring in routine clinical practice. By doing so, we provide suggestions that are intended to help the orthodontist in decision-making when he or she deals with a patient who is in need of orthodontic treatment for dental or skeletal reasons, but has a history of TMD, or who develops TMD signs and symptoms during or after treatment.

Joint vibration analysis in patients with articular inflammation

The study of articular sounds using a computerized system (SonoPAK) in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) of inflammatory origin revealed an increase of vibratory energy when compared to asymptomatic individuals. The following conclusions were reached: 1. The amount of vibratory energy registered in these patients ranged from 8.50 to 57.61 Hz. The major vibrations occurred in the middle of the mandibular opening cycle; 2. The mean vibratory energy measured at less than 300 Hz was between 5.70 and 48.64 Hz and at higher than 300 Hz was between 3.70 and 8.99 Hz; 3. The peak amplitude in the patients with inflammation ranged from 0.35 to 3.96 Pascal and the peak of frequency from 83.20 to 120.20 Hz.

Effect of osseointegrated implants on the coordination of masticatory muscles: a pilot study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The neuromuscular network of masticatory function is, in part, coordinated with afferent information provided by the periodontal ligament (PDL). Osseointegrated implant-supported prostheses lack this PDL-derived proprioceptive feedback mechanism.

PURPOSE

This pilot study was designed to address the hypothesis that implant patients acquire different patterns of functional coordination. Patients with implant-supported prostheses were characterized in regard to masticatory muscle tenderness and fatigue as well as changes in the coordinated activities of masticatory muscles during chewing and maximal occluding force. Results were compared with those of patients with natural teeth and interpreted to assess the functional outcome of implant therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-seven volunteers (25 partially edentulous patients restored with implantsupported fixed prostheses; 32 control patients) were evaluated. A comprehensive set of clinical examinations was performed, including occlusal analysis and examination of masticatory muscle and TMJ. EMG recordings of 5 volunteers from each group were further evaluated. EMG activities of the masseter and anterior temporalis were recorded during habitual chewing and voluntary maximal occluding force.

RESULTS

There were essentially no differences in the clinical evaluations between volunteers in the implant and control groups and no significant alterations in the masticatory muscle coordination for habitual chewing. During the maximal occluding force measurement, EMG recordings revealed a unique masticatory muscle coordination pattern in the implant group with a tendency to activate the working and nonworking side muscles simultaneously.

CONCLUSION

Patients with implant-supported prostheses appeared to be well adapted to perform habitual masticatory functions. However, during a nonhabitual function such as maximal occluding force, our pilot data revealed a less coordinated masticatory muscle activity in the implant patients.

Relationship between premature loss of primary teeth and the development of temporomandibular disorders in children

AIM

This study evaluated the prevalence of signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in children with and without premature loss of primary teeth.

SAMPLE

Fifty-eight children, aged 4-6 years, with missing primary molars, were compared with 58 age- and sex-matched control children with complete primary dentitions.

METHOD

All the children underwent an examination that consisted of palpation and assessment of the joints and associated muscles for tenderness and joint sounds. Maximum vertical opening and deviation during jaw opening were also recorded. Children with any single anomalous finding were designated positive for TMD signs.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of single or collective TMD signs between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that premature loss of primary teeth, uncomplicated by other factors, does not appear to be an aetiological factor for TMD development.

Thermographic assessment of temporomandibular disorders symptomology during orthodontic treatment

The relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms has been the focus of many subjective studies. Objective studies are now needed. Electronic thermography (ET) has shown promise as an objective tool for assessing temporomandibular disorders. Clinical TMD examinations and ET were performed on 21 control subjects, 18 subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment, and 20 subjects with TMD pain. Standardized blinded clinical examinations that used algometry were conducted. The ET was performed with an Agema 870 unit (Agema Infrared Systems, Secaucus, N.J.) under controlled conditions. Data were analyzed to determine the usefulness of ET as an objective measure of TMD symptoms. The ET alone identified the subjects with painful clicking TMD with a sensitivity of 87%. Subjects with no painful clicking (controls) were identified with a specificity of 86%. The ET findings also had a strong correlation with pain to muscle palpation. This study indicates that ET shows promise as an objective tool for selecting normal subjects from subjects with TMD symptoms. The ET could prove to be valuable in accessing the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD symptoms in future longitudinal studies.

Does clicking in adolescence lead to painful temporomandibular joint locking?

BACKGROUND

It has been assumed that clicking of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may predispose to closed locking. Although jaw clicking is a common complaint, locking of the TMJ is rare.

METHODS

To assess whether clicking is a reliable predictor of locking, we examined longitudinally over 9 years the variation of reported and recorded TMJ clicking in 128 young Finnish adults. Subjects were interviewed and examined at the ages of 14, 15, 18, and 23 years.

FINDINGS

Reported and recorded TMJ clicking both increased significantly with age, varying from 11% to 31% and from 11% to 34%, respectively, However, clicking showed no predictable pattern, and only a few subjects consistently reported clicking (2%) or had it recorded (2%). None developed locking.

INTERPRETATION

Because none of the young adults developed locking of the TMJ, we suggest treatment for clicking should be conservative.

Correlation of occlusal factors and condyle position asymmetry with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in young adults

The role of the occlusion in the etiology and prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has not been conclusively demonstrated. Occlusal factors and condyle position asymmetry as deduced from computed tomography (CT) axial scans were correlated with signs and symptoms of TMD in 49 young adults (mean age 24 years, range 15-33 years) with complete or almost complete dentition. A statistically significant correlation was noted between these signs and symptoms and occlusal variables describing asymmetry (the amount and lateral deviation of the slide from the retruded contact position (RCP) to the intercuspal position (IP), deviation of protrusion and asymmetry in bilateral cuspid occlusion). It seems that occlusal discrepancy can be a predisposing factor to TMD, especially when it is asymmetrically expressed.

Validity of diagnostic and monitoring tests used for temporomandibular disorders

Currently, diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) depends on a comprehensive history and physical examination, supplemented, when indicated, by images of hard and soft tissues. However, there are electronic diagnostic devices being marketed to acquire other measures described as relevant to TMD and to use these for diagnosis of TMD and for monitoring the effects of treatment. This paper reviews the capacity of several devices to measure these variables accurately and reliably and to assess the theoretical basis of each of these tests. Diagnostic ability was established, when possible, according to the commonly accepted measures of sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values. It was found that many tests lack theoretical validity, that measurement validity tends to be poor, and that diagnostic ability can be even worse than chance, because of a high percentage of false-positive diagnoses. Based on these findings, the use of these instruments in clinical practice is inappropriate at this time and may lead to the treatment of large numbers of subjects who have no disorder.

Longitudinal changes in craniomandibular dysfunction in an elderly population in northern Sweden

Longitudinal changes and cohort differences in craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) were studied in a 79-year-old cohort (n = 65) and in 70-year-old cohorts in 1981 (n = 62) and 1990 (n = 60) by means of interview and clinical examination. Although the frequency of reported CMD symptoms decreased, many clinical signs of CMD increased during the 9-year observation period. Women reported more symptoms and showed more signs of CMD than men, and a great many of the clinical signs registered in 1981 still persisted in 1990. The 70-year-old cohort studied in 1990 showed a lower frequency of reported symptoms of CMD and of temporomandibular joint pain on palpation and a higher frequency of muscle pain and mandibular deviation than the 70-year-olds examined in 1981.

The misdiagnosis of temporomandibular disorders in lateral pharyngeal space infections--two case reports

Two cases of lateral pharyngeal space infections which were initially misdiagnosed as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are presented and discussed. Such symptomatology as chronic facial pain, trismus and decreased inter-incisal opening provide many viable different diagnoses. It is important for the clinician to evaluate these different diagnoses in a logical manner. Conservative therapy is advised in the initial treatment of many TMDs, therefore other diagnoses with a greater potential for morbidity should be ruled in or out before the diagnosis of TMD is considered. The symptomatology of lateral space infections and the relevance of this entity to clinical dentistry are discussed.

Evidence for construct validity of the TMJ scale in a sample of chronic post-traumatic headache patients

The construct validity of the TMJ Scale was examined in a sample of chronic post-traumatic headache patients. Clinical indicators of temporomandibular (TM) dysfunction and measures of psychosocial distress were compared with relevant scales of the TMJ Scale. The clinical indicators were first subjected to principal components analysis. The resulting factor scores correlated significantly with selected physical domain scales of the TMJ Scale. The factor scores also significantly predicted the TMJ Global Scale in a regression analysis. Selected psychosocial domain scales of the TMJ Scale correlated strongly with measures of depression and anger and a clinical diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. The results support the validity of the TMJ Scale and demonstrates its utility with post-traumatic headache patients.

Intraarticular pressure in the functioning human temporomandibular joint and its alteration by uniform elevation of the occlusal plane

Intraarticular pressure (IAP) was measured at the posterior slope of the eminence in the upper compartment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of 35 individuals (28 females and 7 males) under local anesthesia. Pressure measurements were obtained with the jaw in rest position, during maximal mouth opening (MMO), and while clenching. During MMO, IAP decreased to levels ranging between -130 and -5 mm Hg (mean, -53.82 +/- 34.40 mm Hg), whereas during clenching the pressure was always positive (range, +8 to +200 mm Hg; mean, 63.90 +/- 52.25 mm Hg). The significance of the fluctuating pressures with respect to the joint's maintenance and performance, as well as the potentially harmful effect of the positive pressure, especially when it is high and prolonged, are discussed. Females generated significantly higher pressures than males (73.70 +/- 61.06 mm Hg vs 31.42 +/- 11.47 mm Hg, P = .017). This gender difference regarding IAP may help elucidate the enigma of the considerably higher proportion of women with TMJ problems. In 22 of the patients IAP also was measured while clenching on a specifically constructed interocclusal appliance (IOA), which uniformly elevated the occlusal plane so as to reduce the force directed toward the TMJ. During clenching without the IOA, pressures ranged from 20 to 200 mm Hg (mean, 68.8 +/- 49.1), decreasing by 81.2% to IAP levels ranging from 0 to 40 mm Hg (mean, 7.9 +/- 10.9; P < .001) with the appliance in place. The use of an IOA as a palliative treatment for symptomatic TMJs is discussed.

Prevalence of symptoms of craniomandibular disorders in a population of elderly inhabitants in Helsinki, Finland

The prevalence of symptoms of craniomandibular disorders (CMD) was studied by using a questionnaire in a random sample of 76-, 81-, and 86-year-old subjects living in Helsinki, Finland. Symptoms were reported with lower prevalence with increasing age. Of the total group of 364, 34% reported awareness of one or more symptoms of CMD, but only 2% found their symptoms extremely severe. Thirty per cent reported pains in the head and neck region, and 4% had headache daily.

Risk factors associated with temporomandibular joint sounds in children 6 to 12 years of age

The relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds and a person's dental and skeletal characteristics is poorly understood. In this study, data were obtained from 3428 grade schoolchildren (mean age = 9.0 years, SD = 0.8, range 6 to 12 years), without a history of orthodontic treatment. Each child had been examined independently by one of six orthodontists to assess: TMJ sounds (none, click, crepitus), gender, age, race (white/black), skeletal relationships (convexity, maxillary, and mandibular positions), malocclusion (molar class, overjet, overbite, anterior crowding, posterior crossbite), maximum opening, chin trauma (none, cut, scar), and history of lower facial trauma. Temporomandibular joint sounds were present in 344 children (10.0% of the sample); 276 (8.1%) had an isolated unilateral sound, 254 (7.4%) had unilateral clicking, 50 (1.5%) had bilateral clicking, 22 (0.6%) had unilateral crepitus, and 11 (0.3%) had bilateral crepitus. Univariate analyses compared children with and without sounds for each variable; logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between groups of variables and TMJ sounds. The prevalence of TMJ sounds was associated with examiner (chi 2 = 23.4, df = 5, p < 0.001); increased prevalence of TMJ sounds occurred in children with maxillary anterior crowding (t = 2.8, p < 0.006), mandibular anterior crowding (t = 3.0, p < 0.002), and increased maximum opening (t = 4.7, p < 0.001). In contrast to other reports on children, the prevalence of joint sounds was not associated with age, race, gender, or molar class.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prevalence in the Dutch adult population and a meta-analysis of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder

A nationwide survey of oral conditions, treatment needs, and attitudes toward dental health care in Dutch adults was carried out in 1986. One of the aims of the study was to assess the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). A sample of 6577 persons (from 15 to 74 yr of age), stratified for gender, age, region, and socio-economic status, was contacted. Of this sample, 4496 persons participated in the behavioral part of the study, of whom 3526 were examined clinically. The TMD prevalence was based on (1) perceived signs and symptoms of TMD and (2) clinical examination of joint sounds, deviation, and pain on mandibular movements. A total of 21.5% of the Dutch adult population perceived some dysfunction, and 44.4% showed clinically assessed signs and symptoms of TMD. In nearly all age groups, the signs and symptoms of TMD appeared more in women than in men. Agreement between the results of the clinical examination and the anamnestic dysfunction index was significant (p < 0.0001); however, the Pearson's correlation coefficient was low (r = 0.29). The odds-value (risk-ratio) that subjects who perceived signs and symptoms of TMD would present with clinically assessed signs and symptoms of TMD was 2.3. The results of the survey were compared with results of a meta-analysis performed on 51 TMD prevalence studies. The analysis revealed (1) a perceived dysfunction rate of 30% and (2) a clinically assessed dysfunction of 44%, both based on compound samples of, respectively, over 15,000 (23 studies) and over 16,000 (22 studies) randomly selected subjects.

Recognizing otolaryngologic symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) afflict millions of men, women and children. Although the management of these disorders has traditionally been the pervue of dentistry, the most common symptoms are otolaryngologic. The involvement of an otolaryngologist was important and necessary in the role of primary diagnostician and as a secondary diagnostician to rule out primary otolaryngologic disease in many of the 2,760 patients evaluated over the past 13 years. In 996 patients referred to the Center for Myofacial Pain/TMJ Therapy from the Otolaryngology Clinic of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, 85% complained of ear symptoms, including otalgia (64%), dizziness (42%), and muffling (30%). Sixty percent complained of throat symptoms, while headaches were reported by 81%. In 1,764 private patients evaluated for TMD, 53% were seen and/or referred by an otolaryngologist. The dentist and otolaryngologist must act as a team in recognizing and diagnosing TMD. As many of the symptoms of TMD fall within the pervue of the otolaryngologist, he or she must be cognizant of the clinical presentation of TMD. Likewise, dental practitioners must utilize the services of their medical colleagues to rule out primary otolaryngologic disorders in all patients with suspected TMD.

The utility and validity of current diagnostic procedures for defining temporomandibular disorder patients

This paper describes the evolution of different concepts of classifying and defining Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) for both clinical and research settings. The literature is reviewed with respect to the utility and validity of the different questionnaire and examination procedures that have been used to assess TMD patients. The presented view is that many of these procedures have not been validated, that there is a lack of standardization in the use of the procedures themselves, and that an ideal method of classifying this broad group of patients into better-defined subgroups has not yet been developed. More standardized and better-defined research by trained and calibrated researchers is needed worldwide to elucidate these subgroups so that a better and widely agreed upon research classification system can be developed for widespread use. It also seems clear that as research requirements for defining TMD patient subgroups become more stringent over time, it may not be practical for the clinician to implement them on a day-to-day basis in his or her practice. As such, a practical utilitarian definition of the common subtype of TMD patients is also needed which parallels any research grouping, so that data from research are valuable and generalizable to the practicing clinician.

A preliminary study into the dental health status of multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology involving the central nervous system. Since MS affects the whole body, orofacial aspects of the disease must be expected, particularly since loss of muscular coordination may result in a diminished ability to maintain oral hygiene. This preliminary study examined the dental health status of 22 volunteer MS patients. A questionnaire collected data regarding medical and dental histories and socio-demographic information. Extra- and intra-oral examinations were carried out on all subjects to determine the particular dental treatment needs of this special group. The DMFT and CPITN scores for this group did not indicate that MS patients were more susceptible to dental caries or periodontal disease. However, the prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction in the group studied indicated that these conditions may be manifest in MS patients and warrant further investigations.

Axiographic tracings of temporomandibular joint movements

Three-dimensional condylar movements of 49 symptomatic and asymptomatic volunteers were recorded with a hinge axis tracing system axiograph during maximal opening, protrusion, and mediotrusion. The tracings displayed in sagittal and frontal planes were measured to evaluate biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint. The only differences in condylar tracings between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were in the right joint, recorded in the sagittal plane during maximal opening, and the Bennett angle. The symptomatic group had a significantly longer condylar path and a smaller Bennett angle compared with the asymptomatic group. The results were interpreted as indications of adaptive morphologic instead of pathologic changes. The alterations in condylar tracings as an indicator of joint pathology should be considered cautiously.

Tenderness on palpation and occlusal abnormalities in temporomandibular dysfunction

Tenderness on palpation indicates objective painful symptoms. This study investigated the tenderness of the temporomandibular joint, muscles and their relation to occlusion in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Two hundred ten patients were examined; 96% had tenderness and 80% of cases of tenderness were diagnosed as occlusally related. The average number of tender areas was 5.4 per patient, despite the contribution of occlusion. Tenderness was observed most frequently in the lateral pterygoid muscle, followed by the insertion of temporal muscle. There was no correlation of temporomandibular joint tenderness to muscle tenderness, while tenderness of certain muscles to each other was correlated. Differences were related to the state of occlusion in the number of tender areas, to the ratio to tenderness of elevator muscles to horizontally acting muscles, and to the frequency of unilateral tenderness. The association of muscle tenderness and occlusion was suggested.

Longitudinal study of signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in orthodontically treated and nontreated groups

This study measured the prevalence and incidence of signs of temporomandibular (TM) disorders in both a group undergoing orthodontic treatment in the University of Florida graduate orthodontic program and a control group. A questionnaire pertaining to the patients' reports of signs and symptoms of TM disorder and a clinical examination were administered by a trained dental examiner. Data collection sessions occurred at baseline (before treatment) and at 12-month intervals to 24 months. Data were also collected for the control group at the same time intervals. There were 102 patients (43 boys, 59 girls) mean age 15.3 years. An untreated control group of 41 nonorthodontically treated subjects mean age 16.2 years was used. The incidence of TM signs for the treatment group and control group were not significantly different. Preliminary results are in agreement with the contention that orthodontically treated patients are not more likely to develop TM signs while undergoing treatment. Results underscore the changing, inconstant, and ephemeral nature of TM signs in many persons over the course of time.

Clinical signs of temporomandibular joint internal derangement in adults. An epidemiologic study

This study investigated the frequency and distribution of clinical signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement in an adult non-TMJ patient population. Four hundred three persons who participated in an epidemiologic investigation were examined for clinical signs of TMJ internal derangement by four examiners who followed a standardized form. Clinical signs of internal derangement were found in 76 persons (19%). Twenty-nine persons (7%) had reciprocal clicking and 47 (12%) had a history of clicking replaced by limitation of mouth opening with deviation to the affected side. Reciprocal clicking was associated with TMJ pain during mouth opening and with limitation of jaw movement. A history of clicking replaced by limitation of mouth opening with deviation to the affected side was associated with pain during mouth opening, limitation of opening, and palpatory tenderness of the TMJ. The study indicates that clinical signs of TMJ internal derangement are present in nearly one fifth of non-TMJ patients. Those with clinical signs of internal derangement frequently also have subjective symptoms but they have not sought treatment for these symptoms.

Pharmacologic management of temporomandibular joint disorders and chronic head and neck pain

One goal of pharmacology is to break a cycle of pain and spasms. In this cycle, pain leads to muscle spasms, and spasms lead to pain with no physiologic feedback control occurring. A second goal is to break another interacting cycle of pain and inflammation. In this cycle, pain mediators can lead to inflammation and the inflammation itself can contribute to pain. The two cycles perpetuate each other because they have many interacting factors in common. Drugs are useful either alone or to supplement other forms of therapy that can break the pain/spasm cycle, as well as the pain/inflammation cycle. This article discusses the many types of drugs available to the clinician today. Although the original version of this article was published by the first author in 1973, the number of new drugs (including some new classes of agents) and newer concepts of pain that have been introduced have required further updating.