Use of electronic axiography for diagnostics of muscle-joint dysfunction in patients with occlusion pathology

Axiography [graphic registration of movement of a hinged (axis) condyles temporomandibular joint (ТМJ)] is an objective method of research of trajectory of the articulate movement that allows to estimate character of movements in norm and in functional disturbances of TMJ. Electronic axiographic study allowed to analyze such parametres as: quality indicators, quantity indicators (range), symmetry, synchronism of rate of movement (between left and right TMJ). The occlusion-articulation disturbances caused by a pathology of an occlusion and discoordination masseters lead chronically proceeding discoordination movements of the disk and the mandible head, as causes development of functional disturbances of TMJ.     

Non-surgical treatment of sports-related temporomandibular joint disorders in basketball players

Abstract –  In this study, 18 basketball players (11 female, seven male; age range 14–32 years) with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems who had a history of sport injuries related to head or jaw region were evaluated and the results of the treatment were presented. A standardized functional examination of the masticatory system was performed including measurement of maximal jaw movements, recording of joint sounds, pain on movement of the jaw as well as tenderness to palpation of the both TMJ or masticatory muscles. Patients were also evaluated periodontally. Diagnosis was made according the criteria, described by Okeson, and appropriate treatment was applied using different kind of splints. At the end of treatment only one patient continued with right TMJ reduction with slight pain. Except for that patient, none of the patients had pain after treatment. The maximum opening of the jaws and the maximal jaw movements were statistically increased after treatment. Patients with TMJ problems also showed periodontal problems, most likely due to inadequate oral hygiene because of the limited jaw movements and pain. Periodontal parameters including probing depth (PD), Plaque index (PI), and Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI) improved after treatment. Sports-related TMJ injuries may result in complex problems such as pain, TMJ sounds, limitation in maximal jaw movements and maximum opening of the mouth, difficulty in chewing. With the appropriate diagnosis this could be treated non-surgically in 6–8 months. This study also showed that the TMJ disorders may cause periodontal problems, which may affect all teeth and also the general health of the athlete.     

Costochondral grafts in reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint after condylectomy: an experimental study in sheep

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of costochondral grafts in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in sheep. Five pure-bred adult Merino sheep were used. The condyle alone was resected and replaced with a costochondral graft from the 13th rib. The sheep were killed 3 months after operation. The range of jaw movements before and after operation and at death were recorded. The joints were examined radiologically, macroscopically, and histologically. A new condylar head with normal configuration and function developed. Histologically, the chondrocytes were arranged in a fashion similar to that of a normal joint. All inferior joint spaces showed fibrous adhesions between the condylar head and disc. This study showed that, when such grafts are used to replace the condyle in an otherwise normal sheep TMJ, they fused to the ramus and reconstituted a nearly normal, fully functional joint.     

Interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in the synovial fluid of the temporomandibular joint with respect to cartilage destruction

OBJECTIVE: The distribution and biological roles of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the synovial fluid of patients with non-inflammatory chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders were evaluated in relation to pain upon joint movements and X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TMJ aspirates were obtained from 48 patients (48 joints) with chronic TMJ disorders and from 18 controls (18 joints). The IL-1 beta and IL-6 levels in the aspirates were determined by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the TIMP-1 level was measured by an enzyme immunoassay. Following examinations for pain upon joint movements and X-ray and MRI observations, the IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TIMP-1 levels and frequencies of their detection were compared. RESULTS: The IL-1 beta level and frequency of detection showed no correlation with pain upon joint movements or with the X-ray and MRI findings. In the frequency of detection of IL-6, there were significant differences between control (no detection) and all chronic TMJ disorder groups that were classified by imaging diagnosis (P < 0.001). A correlation was also noted between the presence of IL-6 and pain upon joint movements. The IL-6 level was correlated with the TIMP-1 level and with pain upon joint movements. TIMP-1 level was correlated with pain upon joint movements. The TIMP-1 was present in higher level from patients with chronic TMJ disorders who exhibited osseous changes on the X-ray images. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the IL-6 and TIMP-1 levels in the TMJ aspirates of patients with chronic TMJ disorders have been raised. The former was not detected in the TMJ aspirates of the control. These findings suggest that IL-6 and TIMP-1 might play a role in the etiology of chronic TMJ disorders, but further studies are needed to validate this.     

Diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint dysfunction by graphic reconstruction of mandibular movements

A total of 974 patients with suspected abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were examined; diseases were detected in 371 patients. The test group consisted of 40 patients, control group of 18 patients. Analysis of the results of graphic recording of mandibular movements and clinical x-ray data in patients of the main and control groups helped develop the strategy for the diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction, based on the functional methods of examination (oral functionography and non-oral axiography).     

Characteristics of chief complaints of patients with temporomandibular disorders in a Brazilian population

summary A retrospective survey of 894 patients with temporomandibular disorders was conducted in order to analyse the characteristics of chief complaints. The patients presented complaints of pain (82.1%), functional disturbance (12.3%), articular sounds (5.0%) and swelling (0.6%). Unilateral occurrence (66.5%) was more frequent than bilateral. The most frequent location of pain was the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (82.1%) followed by ear (10.8%), face (2.3%), head (2.3%), mandible (1.0%), neck (0.9%), temporal (0.4%) and frontal (0.1%) areas. Pain in the TMJ occurred in isolation (87.9%) or associated to other locations. The most frequent functional disturbance was limitation of jaw opening (32.1%).     

Biomechanical effect of asymmetric mandibular prognathism treated with BSSRO and USSRO on temporomandibular joints: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

Asymmetric mandibular prognathism is a clinically common skeletal dentomaxillofacial deformity. Unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (USSRO) is an effective alternative procedure to bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) for some patients. However, the biomechanical effect of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of USSRO has not been fully studied. This study aims to evaluate the stress distribution changes in the TMJ of asymmetric mandibular prognathism treated with BSSRO/USSRO, to validate the clinical feasibility of USSRO. Nineteen patients with mandibular prognathism patients who were treated with BSSRO (n = 12) and USSRO (n = 7) had preoperative and postoperative computed tomographic scanning. Preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) of functional TMJ movements were made on one BSSRO patient and one USSRO patient. In all patients, the ANB angle and mandibular deviation were significantly improved postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the postoperative ANB angle and mandibular deviation between the BSSRO group and the USSRO group. In two preoperative FEA models, the maximum stresses of non-deviation side TMJ structures were greater than the deviation side during functional movements. The unbalanced stress distribution was corrected postoperatively in both BSSRO/USSRO FE models. Both BSSRO/USSRO can improve the ANB angle and mandibular deviation. The bilateral TMJ structure in patients with asymmetric mandibular prognathism had unbalanced stress, which could be significantly improved with the USSRO as effectively as BSSRO.     

Computerized ultrasonic axiographic evaluation of condylar movement in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

Objectives:To evaluate condylar movement during lateral excursion in individuals with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using ultrasonic axiography.Materials and Methods:A total of 34 patients with internal derangement of the TMJ and 34 participants in the control group were examined. Mandibular functional movement was recorded by ultrasonic axiography. Three-dimensional condylar movement was measured in the working and balancing condyles.Results:Significant differences in condylar movement were found between the two groups. In the group with internal derangement of the TMJ, the three-dimensional linear distances of the condylar path in a working condyle were greater than in the control group during lateral excursion. The speed of the balancing condyle in the returning path of lateral excursion was significantly greater in the group with internal derangement than in the control group.Conclusions:The results of the present study indicate that internal derangement of TMJ may affect the working and balancing condylar movements during lateral excursion.     

Impact of surgically assisted rapid mandibular expansion on the temporomandibular joint - A retrospective study

This study evaluates the impact of tooth-borne Surgically Assisted Rapid Mandibular Expansion (SARME) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function and condylar morphology.Medical records of patients who received a SARME between 2014 and 2018 are retrospectively reviewed concerning functional problems. Morphological changes of the condyles are analyzed by means of surface registration of 3D reconstructed CBCT scans preoperatively and one-year postoperatively, and correlated to functional outcome.In 68 patients data are complete. The risk of TMJ dysfunction is slightly increased from 18 to 25% at a mean of 14 months after SARME. This is attributed to an increase in the number of minor problems (75–82%). The presence of complaints before SARME is the only identifiable risk factor for also having complaints after the intervention (p = 0.0019). In one patient with pre-existent TMJ dysfunction complaints deteriorated after SARME. After SARME no cases of extended condylar resorption are described. There is no correlation between morphological condylar changes and the prevalence of TMJ dysfunction (p = 0.7121 for appositional and p = 0.3038 for resorptive changes). However, appositional and resorptive changes at the condylar head appear to correlate with growth potential, based on age, gender and skeletal deformity (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0154 respectively).Within the limitations of the study it seems that SARME does not have a negative impact on TMJ function or condylar integrity and, therefore, the choice for or against this approach can be made without considering consequences for TMJ a major issue for the decision.     

The relationship between condylar guidance and temporomandibular joint clicking

The association between condylar inclination and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking was tested by measuring the angles of condylar guidance in the sagittal plane during opening and closing movements in 12 subjects with temporomandibular joint clicks and 16 subjects without TMJ clicks. Each subject had tracings made by using a customized functional clutch. All subjects had full dentition and were without symptomatic mandibular dysfunction. Condylar inclinations were measured in parasagittal tracing planes. The travel path of the hinge axis of the condyle's movements was recorded, directly formed, and compared with a four-component axiograph recording that used the axis-orbital plane as a reference for the subjects. The measurements of angles along several distances (millimeters) of condylar guidance from the axis-orbital plane were obtained and evaluated. The measurements were made in the sagittal plane and through opening-closing movements starting from the actual occlusal vertical dimension of each subject. The results do not support the hypothesis that mean angles of the condylar guidance are significantly different in the group with TMJ clicking compared with the group without TMJ clicking.     

Modeling of jaw-head-neck dynamics during whiplash

Clinicians report signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders in many patients who have experienced automobile rear-end collisions involving neck hyperextension (whiplash). In order for relationships between TMJ disorders and rear-end collisions to be explored, the dynamic response of the jaw to hyperextension of the neck associated with automobile rear-end collisions needs to be quantified. To achieve this goal, we extended an existing head-neck model by adding a movable jaw, and performed preliminary computer simulations of the jaw movements during rear-end collisions at 6.71 ms-1 (15 mph) and 13.41 ms-1 (30 mph). The initial computer simulations produced promising kinematic and dynamic results, such as: relative angle between the head and jaw (jaw-opening angle), predicted TMJ torques, and displacement and linear acceleration of the jaw's center of mass. However, the absolute values and time course of our results must be viewed with caution, since the jaw model has not yet been validated with experimental data. Nevertheless, the modeling approach, detailed in this study, shows good promise for eventually providing quantitative dynamic information about the jaw-head-neck system during impulsive loading.     

Kinematic study of the temporomandibular joint in normal subjects and patients following unilateral temporomandibular joint arthrotomy with metal fossa-eminence partial joint replacement.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study is to quantify the kinematics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients following unilateral TMJ arthrotomy with metal fossa-eminence partial joint replacement and compare them with TMJ kinematics of healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen healthy volunteers and 13 female surgical patients (minimum 4 years postoperative) participated in this study. An electromagnetic tracking device was used to record the kinematics of the mandible relative to temporal bone during opening-closing, protrusive, and lateral movements. The mean linear distance (LD) traveled by condyles was compared between operated and normal subjects. RESULTS: Patients responded with statistically significant improvement in pain and jaw function questions. Mean satisfaction with the surgical result was 25.7 on a scale of 1 to 30. The LD measured for condyles during all 4 movements showed similar measurements. However, operated and unoperated condyles showed statistically significant motion values during opening and protrusive motion from each other and from normal subjects. In addition, contralateral condyles during lateral motion showed statistically significant values in operated, unoperated, and normal condyles. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the surgical reconstruction of the TMJ with partial joint replacement provided highly significant clinical improvement. Moreover, condyle and incisor kinematics were preserved to a significant amount as compared with the normal group. The difference in kinematic measurements between the operated and unoperated condyle was significant and secondary to previous joint disease and previous surgical intervention. These results should be evaluated by prospective studies in pre- and postsurgical patients.     

Associations between the articular eminence inclination and condylar bone changes, condylar movements, and condyle and fossa shapes

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to determine the inclination and height of the articular eminence with respect to the condylar bone changes, condyle shape, fossa shape and condylar movements in patients with and without temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

The associations between the eminence inclination and the condylar bone changes, condylar movements, condylar shape and fossa shape were evaluated in patients with TMJ disorders and control patients without TMJ disorders. The measurements of the articular eminence inclination were established on central sagittal slices of the TMJ. The central coronal slices were used to determine the condyle and fossa shapes. The types of movements of the condyles were determined on open-mouth images, and mandibular hypermobility or hypomobility was noted for each joint.

Results

There were no significant differences in the eminence inclination and height with respect to the condylar bone changes and condylar movements in the TMJ disorder group. However, there was a significant association between the eminence inclination and the fossa shape in the TMJ disorder group and significant associations between the eminence inclination and both the condyle and fossa shapes in the control group. The articular eminence inclination was steeper in the control group than in the TMJ disorder group.

Conclusions

The eminence inclination was steeper in the control patients than in the patients with TMJ disorders, and was not correlated with the condylar bone changes or condylar movements.     

Non-invasive measurement of the deep temperature of the temporomandibular joint region

This study was carried out to non-invasively measure the deep temperature of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region at rest and after 100 opening and closing movements of the mandible. Using a transcutaneous probe, we performed deep thermometry by the zero-heat-flow method. A RAM-Pack recording system was employed, and the data were processed by and stored in a microcomputer. In 20 normal male subjects, no differences were observed in the deep temperature of the right and left TMJ regions at rest and after exercise. However, in patients with temporomandibular disorders, the deep temperature of the symptomatic joint was higher than that of the asymptomatic joint. The difference, however, gradually decreased to normal with occlusal splint therapy. Thus, it is clear that the deep temperature of the TMJ region provides useful information about inflammation of the TMJ.     

Maxillo-mandibular counter-clockwise rotation and mandibular advancement with TMJ Concepts® total joint prostheses: Part III – Pain and dysfunction outcomes

47 end-stage TMJ patients with high occlusal plane angulation, treated with TMJ custom-fitted total joint prostheses and simultaneous maxillo-mandibular counter-clockwise rotation were evaluated for pain and dysfunction presurgery (T1) and at the longest follow-up (T2). Patients subjectively rated their facial pain/headache, TMJ pain, jaw function, diet and disability. Objective functional changes were determined by measuring maximum interincisal opening (MIO) and laterotrusive movements. Patients were divided according to the number of previous failed TMJ surgeries: Group 1 (0–1), Group 2 (2 or more). Significant subjective pain and dysfunction improvements (37–52%) were observed (≤0.001). MIO increased 14% but lateral excursion decreased 60%. The groups presented similar absolute changes, but Group 2 showed more dysfunction at T1 and T2. For patients who did not receive fat grafts around the prostheses and had previous failure of proplast/teflon and or silastic TMJ implants, more than half required surgery for TMJ debridement and removal of foreign body giant cell reaction and heterotopic bone formation. End-stage TMJ patients can be treated in one operation with TMJ custom-made total joint prostheses and maxillo-mandibular counter-clockwise rotation, for correction of dentofacial deformity and improvement in pain and TMJ dysfunction; Group 1 patients had better results than Group 2 patients.     

Temporo-mandibular joint kinetics and chewing cycles in children. A 3-year follow-up

Summary. Objectives. To report the temporo‐mandibular joint (TMJ) kinetics and masticatory function in healthy children. Design. Temporo‐mandibular joint palpation and electrognathographic registrations of chewing cycles were repeated for 3 years in order to evaluate changes. Setting. Healthy children without systemic pathologies, decayed cavities and previous dental treatment. Sample and methods. Electrognathographic (EGN) registration of masticatory cycles and TMJ palpation were carried out on 52 patients (mean age: 5 years 8 months, range: 5 years 1 month, 6 years 8 months), by two university researchers, once a year for 3 consecutive years. TMJ palpation, differentiated TMJ synchronism (simultaneous bilateral opening movement) and TMJ asynchronism (not simultaneous bilateral opening movement), TMJ subluxation and click were observed. Electrognathographic registrations differentiated normal and abnormal jaw chewing cycles, and narrow and large cycles. Results. Temporo‐mandibular joint asynchronism was evident in 34 of 52 patients in the primary dentition, in 42 of 52 patients after the eruption of the first permanent molar, and in 31 of 52 patients after the eruption of the permanent incisors. TMJ subluxation increased during the full period of observation. Three temporomandibular clicks appeared after the eruption of the permanent incisors. Altered mastication was not always associated with TMJ disorders. Conclusions. In children, normal chewing cycles can coexist with occlusal discrepancies, cranio‐facial growth and TMJ alterations.     

Endo-prosthetics of the temporomandibular joint: results of using different methods based on data of Central Institute of Dentistry clinic

Results of using different types of endoprostheses for repair of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are discussed. The main advantages and drawbacks of the method of endoprosthetic treatment of the mandibular condylar process, detected during the immediate and remote postoperative periods, are described. The biomechanics of mandibular movements in prostheses of the joint is presented. Results of using complete endoprosthesis of the TMJ, designed with consideration for mandibular movements biomechanics and experience gained in the use of various types of the joint endoprostheses are presented.     

Aseptic necrosis of the temporomandibular joint in systemic lupus erythematosus

A total of 285 patients with verified systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were examined. They complained of painful temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) and/or limited mobility of the mandible. Eight patients with chronic arthritis of the TMJ and a shortened (by 3-4 mm) mandibular branch were detected. In 4 female patients aged 25-38 with SLE lasting for about 5.5 years, unilateral signs of myoarticular dysfunction of the TMJ, flattening and decrease of the articular head without erosion and destruction, subcortical round foci with uneven internal contours were found in the central or median part of the head, with the compact bone above the foci thinned and the articular surface flattened; this prompted us to regard these changes as avascular necrosis (AN) of the joint. Shortening of the mandibular branch was caused by deformation of the neck of the articular process and its declination backwards. The detected changes in the TMJ were not accompanied by involvement of other joints. All these 4 patients with SLE and TMJ AN suffered from cerebropathy with epileptic attacks (frequent in 2 patients), Raynaud's syndrome, and bright capillaries of the palms and soles; 2 patients developed clinical picture of the antiphospholipid syndrome. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance findings validating the development of TMJ AN in?     

Combined surgical therapy of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and secondary deformity using intraoral distraction

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a pathological process caused by damage of the mandibular condyle. When this event takes place in subjects during the developmental age, it results in an alteration of the entire maxillofacial complex. Therefore, surgical methods able to remove the temporomandibular ankylosis also include necessary operations to correct the secondary maxillofacial deformity. The distraction osteogenesis has induced our center to modify the surgical protocol for the therapy of patients who have developed TMJ ankylosis and secondary maxillomandibular deformity. We have treated four patients with monolateral ankylosis of the TMJ and serious deformities of the maxillomandibular complex secondary to functional limitation. During the same operation, arthroplasty was performed with the removal of the ankylotic block and the interposition of a temporal muscle flap in the new articular space; an intraoral osteodistractor was also positioned to lengthen the mandible. All patients showed recovery of the eurhythmy of the face and good re-establishment of the symmetry. An average 12-month follow-up showed the average opening of the mouth to be at least 35 mm. The combination of TMJ arthroplasty and intraoral osteodistraction provides good functional and aesthetic results in patients affected by ankylosis who have developed secondary maxillofacial deformities.     

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint. Report of a case and review of the literature

An illustrative case of synovial chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region is presented, and 36 cases reported earlier are reviewed. The present patient, a 35-year-old woman, had been suffering from swelling and pain in the TMJ area as well as limited mandibular movements for 7 years. The condition had been treated with various conservative methods without any relief of the symptoms. Finally, radiological examination revealed calcified nodules within the joint space and a surgical exploration was performed. In all, 27 loose particles were removed from the joint in connection with the extirpation of the perforated and deformed disk. The result of surgical therapy has been favourable during the follow-up period of 18 months. Although synovial chondromatosis is rare in the TMJ, it should be kept in mind as one possible disease when treating patients suffering from symptoms similar to those of mandibular dysfunction syndrome.