Constancy of clinical signs in patients with mandibular dysfunction

Repeated clinical examinations were performed 6 weeks apart on 34 patients with mandibular dysfunction to estimate the consistancy of clinical signs. The clinical examination of the patients included the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the mandibular movement capacity. The clinical dysfunction index (Di) was calculated as a measure of the degree of mandibular dysfunction. The highest agreement between examinations was found for maximal mouth opening and protrusion. The agreement for palpation tenderness of the masticatory muscles and TMJ, limited movement of the TMJ, TMJ sounds, and pain during movement was considerably lower. The lowest agreement within 6 weeks was found for the clinical dysfunction index. No statistically significant difference could be detected between the two examinations for any of the clinical signs, as a result of given information and counseling before the 6-week period. It was concluded that all clinical signs, except maximal mouth opening and maximal protrusion, showed low consistancy.     

Signs of temporomandibular disorders in tinnitus patients and in a population-based group of volunteers: results of the Study of Health in Pomerania

The literature has documented a controversial discussion on the possible relationship of otogenous symptoms and craniomandibular dysfunction since the 1920s. Therefore, an investigation was conducted which consisted of two parts: a case study with population-based controls and a cross-sectional study. The aim of the first study was to screen a group of patients suffering from acute or chronic tinnitus for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in comparison with a population-based group of volunteers without tinnitus. To this end, 30 patients (13 females and 17 males, age 18-71 years) suffering from acute hearing loss associated with tinnitus, isolated acute tinnitus, and chronically transient tinnitus were examined for symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction. The results were compared with those of clinical functional analysis from 1907 subjects selected representatively and according to age distribution from the epidemiological 'Study of Health in Pomerania' (SHIP); the occurrence of tinnitus was ruled out in these control subjects. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Sixty per cent of the tinnitus patients and 36.5% of the control subjects exhibited more than two symptoms of TMD (P = 0.004). Tinnitus patients had significantly more muscle palpation pain (P < 0.001), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) palpation pain (P < 0.001), and pain upon mouth opening (P < 0.001) than the general population group. No statistical differences were found in TMJ sounds, limitation of mandibular movement, or hypermobility of the TMJ. Furthermore, 4228 subjects of the population group examined in the epidemiological study were screened for co-factors of tinnitus with the help of a multivariate logistic regression model which was adjusted for gender, age, and a variety of anamnestic and examined data. Increased odds ratios (OR) were found for tenderness of the masticatory muscles (OR = 1.6 for one to three painful muscles and OR = 2.53 for four or more painful muscles), TMJ tenderness to dorsal cranial compression (OR = 2.99), listlessness (OR = 2.0) and frequent headache (OR = 1.84) A relationship between tinnitus and TMD was established in both examinations. Tinnitus patients seem to suffer especially from myofascial and TMJ pain. A screening for TMD should be included in the diagnostic survey for tinnitus patients.     

Temporomandibular joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms and clinical findings in Albanian patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. The authors examined 124 consecutive hospitalized patients (88 with rheumatoid arthritis, 22 with systemic lupus erythematosus and 14 with systemic sclerosis) and 124 age- and gender-matched healthy controls using a questionnaire and an oro-facial clinical examination for assessing the presence of TMJ sounds, pain in the TMJ area, tenderness of masticatory muscles and limited mouth opening. Significantly more patients (67%) reported TMJ symptoms than controls (19%). A significantly higher proportion of patients (65%) exhibited clinical signs of temporomandibular dysfunction compared with controls (26%). The most frequent findings in rheumatoid arthritis were temporomandibular sounds and pain. Pain was found in a significantly higher proportion in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared with controls. Difficulty and limitation in mouth opening were observed in the majority of systemic sclerosis patients, and in only a minority of rheumatoid arthritis patients. This study supports the notion that TMJ examination should be encouraged in the rheumatology setting and clinicians should be able to provide pain management and patient support.     

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.     

Clinical, microscopical and biochemical investigation of synovial fluid from temporomandibular joints

Abstract – The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pain and tenderness to palpation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), radiographic changes of the joint and signs of inflammation in the synovial fluid. Saline was injected into and aspirated from the TMJ of 29 patients with painful and tender TM joints and from five individuals with healthy joints. In another two patients synovial fluid could be aspirated without saline. The aspirated fluid was analyzed for inflammatory cells and for plasma proteins. A clinical examination of the stomatognathic system and a radiographic examination of the TMJ were performed before the aspiration. Besides tenderness to palpation of the TMJ, pain on mandibular movement and tenderness to palpation of the masticatory muscles were common. Erosion of the cortical outline of the joint surfaces was the most common radiographic finding. Inflammatory cells were present in the fluid of three patients but in none of the healthy individuals. Plasma proteins of inflammatory type could be detected in the fluid from seven of the patients. The results show that radiographic, cellular or biochemical signs of inflammation can frequently be found in the TMJ of patients with longstanding pain and tenderness of this joint.     

Deficient cytokine control modulates temporomandibular joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis

The aim was to investigate how endogenous cytokine control of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) influences temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain in relation to the role of anti‐citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty‐six consecutive patients with TMJ RA were included. Temporomandibular joint pain intensity was assessed at rest, on maximum mouth opening, on chewing, and on palpation. Mandibular movement capacity and degree of anterior open bite (a clinical sign of structural destruction of TMJ tissues) were also assessed. Systemic inflammatory activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) for rheumatoid arthritis. Samples of TMJ synovial fluid and blood were obtained and analyzed for TNF, its soluble receptor, soluble TNF receptor II (TNFsRII), and ACPA. A high concentration of TNF in relation to the concentration of TNFsRII in TMJ synovial fluid was associated with TMJ pain on posterior palpation on maximum mouth opening. The ACPA concentration correlated significantly to the TNF concentration, but not to the TNFsRII concentration, indicating that increased inflammatory activity is mainly caused by an insufficient increase in anti‐inflammatory mediators. This study indicates that TMJ pain on palpation in patients with RA is related to a deficiency in local cytokine control that contributes to increased inflammatory activity, including sensitization to mechanical stimuli over the TMJ.     

Counselling and self‐management therapies for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review

The aim of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of counselling and other self‐management‐based therapies on muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain relief and increasing the functional abilities of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). A systematic literature review was conducted by three independent reviewers and included articles published up to 2012. PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases were used in addition to hand‐searching to assess clinical outcomes for counselling and self‐management approaches for TMD treatment. The review yielded 581 records that were narrowed down to 7. All included studies were classified as blind‐randomized controlled clinical trials. The selected articles analysed revealed that counselling was able to improve tenderness upon masticatory muscle palpation and maximum mouth opening with and without pain in patients with TMD, with similar results to those of interocclusal appliances approaches. Thus, counselling‐ and self‐management‐based therapies could be considered a conservative low‐cost and beneficial treatment alternative for treating TMD to potentially improve psychological domains and remove harmful behaviours for the control of the signs and symptoms of TMD.     

Natural course of disc displacement with reduction of the temporomandibular joint: changes in clinical signs and symptoms.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to examine the natural course of disc displacement with reduction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 24 patients who had been diagnosed with disc displacement with reduction of the TMJ, but who had not undergone any treatment. The extent of maximal mouth opening, protrusion, lateral excursions, noise of the TMJ, pain of the TMJ, and tenderness of masticatory muscles were recorded monthly for a mean of 25.8 months. RESULTS: Maximal mouth opening, protrusion, and lateral excursions remained unchanged during follow-up. TMJ pain decreased by 15.7% (P >.05). Clicking decreased by 20.8% (P <.05), and tenderness of masticatory muscles decreased by 33.3% (P <.05). Reciprocal clicking remained unchanged in 19 patients (79.2%) and disappeared in 5 patients (23.8%). Four patients (16.7%) in whom clicking disappeared had a normal mouth opening, but locking developed in 1 patient (4.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with disc displacement with reduction who do not undergo treatment, range of movement remains unchanged over time. Tenderness of masticatory muscles tended lessen, but reciprocal clicking and TMJ pain tended to remain. Clicking did not progress to locking in most patients.     

Symptoms of the stomatognathic system in temporomandibular and cervical spine disorders

This study was performed to assess the prevalance of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with cervical spine disorders (CSD) and to compare patients with CSD and subgroups of patients with TMD with regard to the results of orthopaedic tests of the stomatognathic system. A group of 103 consecutive patients with signs and symptoms of CSD and a group of 111 consecutive patients with TMD were examined. All subgroups of TMD patients showed a significantly smaller range of motion than the CSD patients. Patients with TMD had limited mouth opening (<40 mm) on active and passive mouth opening more often than CSD patients. TMD patients with myogenous problems reported oral habits more often than CSD patients, although no objective differences between CSD and TMD patients were found. Subgroups of TMD patients reported joint sounds, and pain on palpation and joint play tests of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) more frequently than CSD patients. Joint sounds on active movements, pain on palpation of the TMJ, and pain on joint play tests correctly classified 82% of the patients with TMD and 72% of the patients with CSD. In spite of the biomechanical and anatomical relationship between the neck and the stomatognathic system, the results of the study show that CSD patients have signs and symptoms of TMD comparable with those of the adult Dutch population. It was concluded that the function of the masticatory system should be evaluated in patients with neck complaints in order to rule out a possible involvement of the masticatory system.     

Impact of temporomandibular joint pain on activities of daily living in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain on daily living in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involving the TMJ. Nineteen patients (17 F, 2 M) with a median (IQR) age of 44 (23) years were included. A scale for the influence of TMJ pain/discomfort on the activities of daily living was used. TMJ resting pain and pain upon maximum mouth opening according to a visual analog scale as well as pressure pain threshold and tenderness to digital palpation of the TMJ were assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure the level of acute phase proteins. Activities of daily living were influenced in all patients at different levels. The impact on daily living by TMJ pain/discomfort was greatest on the performance of physical exercises and jaw movements, while it was smallest on the performance of hobbies and eating. Pain during maximum mouth opening and tenderness to digital palpation were correlated to difficulties with several activities such as to yawn and open the mouth wide, while pressure pain threshold was correlated with difficulties during eating, which confirms that the pain was located in the TMJ. In conclusion, this study indicates that pain/discomfort from the TMJ in patients with RA has a significant negative impact on activities of daily living     

Impact of temporomandibular joint pain on activities of daily living in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain on daily living in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involving the TMJ. Nineteen patients (17 F, 2 M) with a median (IQR) age of 44 (23) years were included. A scale for the influence of TMJ pain/discomfort on the activities of daily living was used. TMJ resting pain and pain upon maximum mouth opening according to a visual analog scale as well as pressure pain threshold and tenderness to digital palpation of the TMJ were assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure the level of acute phase proteins. Activities of daily living were influenced in all patients at different levels. The impact on daily living by TMJ pain/discomfort was greatest on the performance of physical exercises and jaw movements, while it was smallest on the performance of hobbies and eating. Pain during maximum mouth opening and tenderness to digital palpation were correlated to difficulties with several activities such as to yawn and open the mouth wide, while pressure pain threshold was correlated with difficulties during eating, which confirms that the pain was located in the TMJ. In conclusion, this study indicates that pain/discomfort from the TMJ in patients with RA has a significant negative impact on activities of daily living.     

Signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction in patients with suspected oral galvanism

Fifty-four consecutive patients were examined by means of a self-administered questionnaire with questions related to general health and subjective symptoms. In addition, a clinical stomatognathic evaluation was carried out including palpation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and the masticatory muscles and functional analysis of occlusion and mandibular mobility. High frequencies of general diseases were reported. The dominant subjective symptom was headache (62%), which often appeared daily. Symptoms such as pain from the teeth, pain in the face/jaws, and burning sensations in the tongue or oral cavity all appeared in more than half of the sample. The patients were frequently aware of parafunctions such as clenching of the teeth and tongue press. None of the investigated persons were completely free of clinical signs of dysfunction. The most frequent clinical finding was palpation tenderness in the masticatory muscles (96%), generally located in the masseter, temporal, and lateral pterygoid muscles. In more than half of the material TMJ findings were recorded, and more than one-third had TMJ pain. In 35% mandibular mobility was reduced. Occlusal interferences on retrusion and on the mediotrusion side were frequent findings. Impaired general state of health and multiple signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction were thus frequent findings in these polysymptomatic patients. Three-fourths of the patients needed treatment for mandibular dysfunction, indicating that great consideration must be made for the functional status of the masticatory system in clinical evaluation of so-called 'oral galvanists'.     

Comparison of algometry and palpation in the recognition of temporomandibular disorder pain complaints

AIMS: To determine the construct validity of algometry and to compare it with that of palpation, and to compare tenderness of masticatory muscle sites and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on palpation and on algometry. Methods: Two hundred fifty subjects, 148 with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain complaints, underwent a standardized blinded physical examination that included pain-intensity measures on palpation and pressure pain threshold measures on algometry of masseter muscle sites, temporalis muscle sites, and the TMJ. Results: Logistic regression analysis indicated that the recognition of TMD pain complaints based on pressure algometry was comparable to that of palpation (R2 = 0.22 and R2 = 0.21, respectively). The masseter muscles were most tender to palpation and algometry, followed by the TMJs and the temporalis muscles. Conclusion: Construct validity of algometry in the recognition of TMD pain complaints is comparable to that of palpation, and differences in tenderness on palpation and on algometry are found between masticatory muscle sites and the TMJ.     

Clinical finding during the course of temporomandibular arthropathy

Abstract – During the painful phases of temporomandibular arthropathy, the mobility is restrictedm pain is present in the affected joint on maximal horizontal movement, and the joint capsule and masticatory muscles are tender. As the joint pain ceases, mobility improves and crepitation may appear. Crepitation is the most frequent finding in patients with lasting symptoms. Contralaterally, the muscular reaction is less impressive and of shorter duration, TMJ clicking may appear contralaterally as the symptoms of arthropathy disappear. The main change in signs takes place as pain disappears. However, signs still change year after debut of arthropathy.     

The role of dental loss and denture status on clinical signs of temporomandibular disorders

Studies concerning the role of denture status on in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of tooth loss and denture status with clinical findings of TMD. The data were obtained from 6316 subjects aged ≥30 years from the Finnish Health 2000 Survey. The associations between clinically assessed TMD findings and number of teeth, wearing of removable dentures, need for denture repair and age of the dentures were analysed by means of chi‐square test and logistic regression. Among women after adjusting for age, having fewer teeth or wearing complete dentures associated with restricted maximum interincisal distance and pain on palpation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and masticatory muscles. After adding education level and depression in the model, the associations between TMJ pain and explanatory variables were weakened. Among men, having a higher number of teeth associated with occurence of TMJ crepitation. Subjective need for repair of dentures and having a denture aged ≥5 years associated with pain on palpation in masticatory muscles among women. Among men, both the objective and subjective need for denture repair and having at least one denture aged ≥5 years or been repaired during the past 5 years associated negatively with the presence of TMJ crepitation. It can be concluded that edentulousness, wearing of complete dentures and poor condition of dentures associate with pain‐related TMD findings among women. Psychosocial factors have a modifying effect on these associations.     

A型肉毒毒素治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病的临床研究

目的 评价A型肉毒毒素局部注射治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病（TMD）的临床疗效。方法 对11例经保守治疗无效的TMD患者，给予局部注射A型肉毒毒素150U，双侧嚼肌各50U，双侧颞肌各25U。分析治疗前后不同时期患 者的最大张口度、疼痛值、口颌功能及局部压值的变化。结果 治疗徨不同时期患者最大张口度、疼痛、口颌功能及局部压均较治疗前有显著改善（P＜0.05）。结论 A型肉毒毒素局部注射治疗TMD，能有效改善患者的张口度，缓解疼痛。     

Oral parafunctions and association with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in Japanese university students

We examined whether oral parafunctions are associated with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in 3557 Japanese university students, aged between 18 and 26 years. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding various oral parafunctions and subjective symptoms related to TMD, and underwent a dental examination. The prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) noise, TMJ pain and impaired mouth opening was 41.7, 16.0 and 16.3%, respectively. The most prevalent parafunction was sleeping on one side (60.2%), followed by supporting the jaw by leaning on the palm of the hand (44.8%). Mean age, decayed, missing and filled teeth, and number of teeth were not significantly different between TMD positive and negative groups according to unpaired t-test. The chi-squared test revealed that the ratio of females was significantly higher among students with TMD than without TMD. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender demonstrated that chewing on one side caused an increased risk of TMJ noise [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, P < 0.001], TMJ pain (OR = 1.54, P < 0.001), and impaired mouth opening (OR = 2.00, P < 0.001). Tooth clenching also increased the risk of TMJ noise (OR = 1.86, P < 0.001), TMJ pain (OR = 1.79, P = 0.001) and impaired mouth opening (OR = 1.88, P < 0.001). Further prospective cohort studies, including other potential risk factors, are required to clarify these relationships.     

Intermittent intracranial condylar dislocation with minimal functional sequelae

Degenerative changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) present with a broad spectrum of morphological alterations. However, erosions leading to a glenoid fossa defect and condylar impingement of the temporal lobe are a rare finding. A 77-year-old female patient presented with limited mouth opening and pre-auricular pain during mastication on the left side. She denied any neurological dysfunction. Her medical history included poliomyelitis, multiple cancers, and osteonecrosis of the left tibial plateau. Computed tomography revealed advanced degeneration of both TMJs. On the left side, a glenoid fossa fragment was elevated towards the left middle cranial fossa. Real-time dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed repetitive intracranial condylar dislocation during mouth closure. She declined surgery and received instructions for self-management. At the 12-month follow-up, she reported resolution of the pain and normal masticatory function. A control MRI showed a stable radiographic appearance. This report illustrates that intermittent dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa can be successfully managed conservatively. The self-limiting nature of the TMJ degenerative joint disease, patient preference, and the patient’s general health status require consideration when advising patients on the therapeutic strategy.     

Temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle involvement in myotonic dystrophy: a study by magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in myotonic dystrophy (MD) patients. STUDY DESIGN: MRI of the masticatory muscles and TMJ was performed in 15 MD patients, 11 male and 4 female, aged 16 to 53 years (mean, 31 years). Many of them had dental malocclusion, especially Angle class III and anterior open bite, and 3 complained of recurrent TMJ dislocation. TMJ and masticatory muscle pain was not observed, and joint sounds were noted in only 1 patient. RESULTS: The analysis of MRI scans showed masticatory muscle involvement in 13 patients (86.6%). In 11, the involvement was moderate to intense. The main abnormalities observed were increased intramuscular tissue signal on T1 (fatty infiltration) and volumetric reduction of muscles. Regarding the TMJ, articular disk displacement was seen in only 1 patient, but abnormalities of disk shape were common. Mild bone abnormalities were frequently observed, including changes of shape and contour of bone surface, and sclerosis of bone marrow. In 4 patients the condyle moved anterior to the eminence with the mouth opened fully (condylar hyperexcursion). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that masticatory muscles are frequently and intensively affected in MD patients. Bone changes are the most consistent abnormalities observed in the TMJ. It is possible that remodeling is caused by biomechanical changes in the jaw as a result of masticatory muscle involvement.