Correlation of somatization,depression, and chronic pain with clinical findings of the temporomandibular disorders in asymptomatic women

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate degree of depression, somatization, and chronic pain in asymptomatic women with clinical findings, using Research Diagnostic Criteria/Temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD).

Methods: A total of 200 female participants, ages 18–65, filled out a standard RDC/TMD axis II form for the assessment of chronic pain, disability, depression, and non-specific physical symptoms and underwent clinical examination of the temporomandibular joint. Correlation of clinical findings (axis I) and axis II assessment was performed using Spearman’s correlation test, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: There was a significant correlation between depression scores (p < 0.04), chronic pain (p < 0.001), and non-specific physical symptoms without questions about pain (p = 0.008).

Discussion: The highest scores on the Graded Chronic Pain Scale were observed in patients with arthralgia, while patients with myofascial pain scored higher on depression and somatization tests.     

The teaching of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain at undergraduate level in Brazilian dental schools

Objectives

Evaluate the way the topics for the study of pain mechanisms in general, and Orofacial Pain (OFP) and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) more specifically, are addressed in undergraduate courses curricula, and also to verify the existence of specialist OFP/TMD teachers in Brazilian dental schools.

Methods

Between July 2010 and January 2011, course Coordinators/Directors of all dental schools duly registered at the Ministry of Education were invited to answer a questionnaire on topics related to OFP/TMD teaching in their institutions.

Results

Fifty-three dental schools representatives answered the questionnaire. The study of pain mechanisms was found to cover an average of less than 10% of the courses'' total time. Pharmacology, Endodontics and Physiology were identified as the departments usually responsible for addressing pain mechanisms in dental courses. Psychosocial aspects were found to occupy a very small proportion in the syllabi, while most of the content referred to biological or somatic aspects. OFP/TMD is addressed by a specific department in only 28.4% of the participating dental schools, while in most cases (46.3%), OFP/TMD is under the responsibility of the Prosthodontics department. Only 38.5% of respondents indicated that they had a specialist OFP/TMD teacher in their Schools.

Conclusion

Among the Brazilian dental schools participating in the study, the teaching of OFP/TMD was found to be insufficient, segmented or with an extremely restricted focus. This initial assessment indicates that Curricular Guidelines for the study of OFP/TMD at undergraduate dental schools should be developed and implemented to facilitate their appropriate inclusion into the curricula and in specific pedagogical projects.     

Influence of tinnitus on pain severity and quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders

Objective

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship among pain intensity and duration, presence of tinnitus and quality of life in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Material and Methods

Fifty-nine female patients presenting with chronic TMD were selected from those seeking for treatment at the Bauru School of Dentistry Orofacial Pain Center. Patients were submitted to the Research Diagnostic Criteria anamnesis and physical examination. Visual analog scale was used to evaluate the pain intensity while pain duration was assessed by interview. Oral Health Impact Profile inventory modified for patients with orofacial pain was used to evaluate the patients'' quality of life. The presence of tinnitus was assessed by self report. The patients were divided into: with or without self report of tinnitus. The data were analyzed statistically using the Student''s t-test and Pearson''s Chi-square test, with a level of significance of 5%.

Results

The mean age for the sample was 35.25 years, without statistically significant difference between groups. Thirty-two patients (54.24%) reported the presence of tinnitus. The mean pain intensity by visual analog scale was 77.10 and 73.74 for the groups with and without tinnitus, respectively. The mean pain duration was 76.12 months and 65.11 months for the groups with and without tinnitus, respectively. The mean OHIP score was 11.72 and 11.74 for the groups with and without tinnitus, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for pain intensity, pain duration and OHIP scoreS (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Chronic TMD pain seems to play a more significant role in patient''s quality of life than the presence of tinnitus.     

Single portal arthroscopic temporomandibular joint discopexy: Technique and results

The aim of the present study is to assess the outcomes of monoportal arthroscopic disc repositioning (discopexy) for disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint.A retrospective, single-institutional clinical study included patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangements diagnosed and treated by monoportal discopexy. Each patient was diagnosed as having anterior disk displacement with or without reduction. The arthroscopy treatment consists of one portal approach fixing the disc with a 3/0 nylon to the tragus cartilage without anterior liberation. Arthroscopy surgery was carried out with a 1.9-mm 0° arthroscope and only one simple cannula. We use a needle to pierce of the disc through the skin and retrieve the suture inside the joint using a blind method through the arthroscopic cannula. The evaluated variables included the maximum interincisal opening, the presence of clicking and pain score.A total of 19 patients, 21 joints, were included in the present study. Of the 21 joints, 16 were classified as disc displacement with reduction and 5 without. Visual analogue scale (VAS) values (0–10) decreased from 5.5 to 1.26 (p < 0.0001) 1 year after surgery. At the first review, all patients had a VAS of at least 4 points less than before the surgery, four patients showed a VAS of 0, and nine patients near to 1. Mouth opening increased from 36.6 (±8.09) mm to 39.37 (±4.35) mm, and no significant limitations in the mouth opening range were seen (p < 0.12) 1 year after surgery. Clicking disappeared in all patients and remained stable after 12 months of follow-up. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a correct or improved position of the disc in all but one patient.A minimally invasive single portal arthroscopic discopexy is an effective technique to improve function and pain reduction in patients with anterior disk displacement with or without reduction.     

Digital subtraction arthrography and arthrofluoroscopic dynamic observations on TMJ dysfunction syndrome

Digital subtraction arthrography and arthrofluoroscopic dynamic observation were performed for seventy cases with TMJ dysfunction syndrome. A comparative study between the findings of digital subtraction arthrography and the operative findings was carried out for eleven cases who underwent surgery. It has been found that digital subtraction arthrography can overcome the disadvantages of conventional arthrography and has important diagnostic value for TMJ dysfunction syndrome, especially for disc perforation. In addition. The procedure of digital subtraction arthrography, the normal and abnormal manifestations of digital subtraction arthrograms were described in the present study.     

ASSESSMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER AND OCCLUSION IN TREATED CLASS III MALOCCLUSION PATIENTS

Objective:

The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in individuals submitted to either orthodontic or ortho-surgical Class III malocclusion treatment and to assess the influence of occlusal aspects on TMD severity.

Material and methods:

The sample consisted of 50 individuals divided into two groups, according to the type of treatment (orthodontic or orthodontic with orthognathic surgery). The presence of signs and symptoms of TMD was evaluated by an anamnestic questionnaire and a clinical examination, including TMJ and muscle palpation, active mandibular range of motion, joint noises and occlusal examination.

Results:

Based on the anamnestic questionnaire, 48% had no TMD, 42% had mild TMD and 10% had moderate TMD. The presence and severity of TMD did not show any relationship with the type of orthodontic treatment (p>0.05). The chi-square test showed a positive association (p<0.05) between TMD and non-working side occlusal interferences.

Conclusion:

Based on the methodology used and the results obtained, it may be concluded that Class III orthodontic treatment was not associated with the presence of TMD signs and symptoms and the non-working side contacts can be occlusal factors of risk. There was no significant difference in TMD prevalence between the studied groups (orthodontically treated patients and patients treated with orthodontics followed by orthognathic surgery).     

Temporomandibular disorders: the past,present, and future

This article traces the history of the development of the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the management of temporomandibular disorders, with emphasis on the mistakes or misconceptions that occurred during their development and the lessons that can be learned from these errors. It also makes recommendations for future areas of investigation, and methods for facilitating such studies, in order to improve the future treatment of these patients. Based on a lecture entitled “Temporomandibular Disorders: The Past, Present and Future” presented at the 1st International and 19th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of the Temporomandibular Joint, Nagoya, Japan, July 19, 2006.     

Differential diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders and other orofacial pain disorders

There are many types of pain conditions that are felt in the orofacial structures. Most of the conditions treated by the dentist are associated with the teeth, periodontal structures, and associated mucosal tissues. This article focuses on the differential diagnosis of other common pain conditions the dentist will likely face, such as temporomandibular disorders, neuropathic pain disorders, and common headaches; and the clinical presentation of each. Controlling or reducing pain can be accomplished by controlling perpetuating factors such as parafunctional habits and by some simple behavioral modifications. Finally, this article offers some simple treatment considerations.     

Longitudinal study on TMJ disk status and its effect on mandibular growth

Abstract

Objective: This longitudinal study assessed the potential contribution of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk status over mandibular linear and angular changes.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Participants: Seventy-three adolescent subjects attending TMJ or orthodontic clinics with or without TMJ disk abnormality were followed during a mean 3 years 7 months. From this sample 39 subjects underwent orthodontic treatment.

Methods: Disk displacement and disk length measurements taken from MRIs were utilized to evaluate the TMJ disk status. Mandibular changes were quantified from cephalometric radiographs by superimposing the mandible around the internal cortex of the posterior wall of the mandibular symphysis. Fishman’s skeletal maturation system was used to calculate the percentage of mandibular growth remaining during the follow-up. This expected mandibular growth was factored out through a statistical normalization process applied to the actual difference between the initial and final mandibular measurements. In addition, previous orthodontic treatment was also considered for the analysis. A multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to evaluate interaction between the independent variables (TMJ disk status and previous orthodontic treatment) over the dependent variables (mandibular ramus, mandibular body, mandibular length and gonial angle measurements).

Results: No significant contribution was found of any of the evaluated variables or its interactions over the mandibular measurements.

Conclusions: No evidence was found of TMJ disk abnormality as an associated significant factor with mandibular dimensional changes. The findings have to be evaluated with caution because of some limitations identified in this study.     

Sleep bruxism and temporomandibular disorder: Clinical and polysomnographic evaluation

OBJECTIVE: To seek better understanding of chronic musculoskeletal facial pain and its relation to sleep bruxism, by comparing patients with sleep bruxism, with and without temporomandibular disorder. DESIGN: Forty sleep bruxism patients were evaluated according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: group A-20 patients with myofascial pain, 3 men, 17 women; average age 32.7yr; mean duration of pain 4.37yr; group B-20 without myofascial pain, 5 men, 15 women; average age 30.8yr. Sleep and bruxism were evaluated in one-night polysomnography. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences for bruxism and sleep variables of the two groups: number of bursts and bruxism episodes per hour, amplitude and duration of bruxism episodes, sleep efficiency and latency, percentage of non-REM and REM sleep, respiratory events, periodic limb movements, and micro-arousals. CONCLUSIONS: The polysomnographic characteristics of patients with sleep bruxism, with and without orofacial pain, are similar. More studies are necessary to clarify the reasons why some sleep bruxism patients develop chronic myofascial pain, and others do not.     

治疗颞颌关节强直后SAS的新方法及手术效果的评价

目的：用L值评估正颌外科技术矫治的12例颞颌关节强直所致SAS的效果。方法：手术采用患侧关节成形，下颌升支、体部的“L”型半层截骨及健侧矢状截骨术，将患侧下颌升支加高固定，下颌前部整体前移。上 颌骨Lefort I型截骨，向健侧旋转，纠正偏移，并行颏成形术。比较分析术前、术后的L值。结果：12例颞颌关节强直所致OSAS患者术后张口度达2．5－3．5cm，连续血氧饱和度最低值由术前的58％提高至术后的95％以上，术后L值较术前L值有较大的提高，术后AKI指数较术前AHI指数大幅下降，OSAS得以治愈。结论：颞颌关节强直所致OSAS患者通过正颌外科手术可以在关节成形的同时，解决患者下颌后缩的缺陷，解除上气道狭窄，从而缓解或纠正患者的低氧血症。     

正颌外科技术治疗颞颌关节强直后睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(附9例报告)

目的：评估用正颌外科技术矫治９例颞颌关节强直所致睡眠呼吸暂停综合征的效果。方法：采用患侧关节成形,下颌升支、体部的“Ｌ”型半层截骨及健侧矢状截骨术,将患侧下颌升支加高固定,下颌前部整体前移。结果：９例颞颌关节强直后睡眠呼吸暂停综合征患者术后张口度达２．５～３．５ｃｍ,连续血氧饱和度最低值由术前的５８％提高至术后的９５％以上,唾眠呼吸暂停综合征得以治愈。结论：颞颌关节强直后睡眠呼吸暂停综合征患者通过正颌外科手术可以在关节成形的同时,解决患者下颌后缩的缺陷,解除上气道狭窄,从而缓解或纠正患者的低氧血症。     

颞下颌关节紊乱指数临床应用评价

目的 探讨如何采用客观定量的方法评价颞下颌关节功能障碍程度和颞下颌关节紊乱病（temporomandibular disorders,TMD）的治疗效果。方法 分别采用Fricton颞下颌关节紊乱指数和Helkimo临床检查功能障碍指数，定量计算每例患者（共60例）的颞下颌关节紊乱指数，评价不同检查者获得的各项指数的一致性，并应用Fricton颞下颌关节紊乱指数定量评价TMD急性不可复性盘前移位的临床治疗效果。结果 （1）不同检查者获得的各项Fricton紊乱指数值相近；（2）Fricton紊乱指数可明确反映TMD急性不可复性盘前移位治疗后临床功能的改善。结论 评价TMD功能障碍程度或评价TMD治疗效果宜避免使用非客观的、描述性的报告，Fricton紊乱指数是一方便且有效的客观定量指标。     

Radiographic measurement of the cervical spine in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction

Aim

To compare the craniocervical angles and distances between temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and free TMD subjects.

Casuistic and methods

The sample consisted of young adults, of both genders, with age ranging between 18 and 30 years. TMD diagnosis was based on the clinical criteria of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD), associated with self-reported symptoms of TMD. For radiological analysis we measured three angles and two distances of craniocervical region.

Results

Of the 56 subjects, only 23 completed all stages of research, which were divided into two groups: (1) free TMD group - composed of 11 individuals; (2) TMD group - constituted of 12 subjects. The most common clinical diagnosis of TMD was arthralgia (75.0%) followed by myofascial pain without limited mouth opening (58.4%). Among the self-reported symptoms of TMD, the most frequents were facial (83.4%) and neck (66.6%) pain. Of radiological measurement, only plane atlas angle (APA) (p = 0.026) and anterior translation distance (Tz C₂-C₇) (p = 0.045) showed statistical difference between groups TMD (APA = 16.7 ± 1.63; Tz C₂-C₇ = 28.7 ± 2.58) and free TMD (APA = 21.64 ± 1.24; Tz C₂-C₇ = 19.82 ± 3.29).

Conclusion

It could be verified that the symptomatic TMD patients presented a flexion of the first cervical vertebra associated with an anteriorization of the cervical spine (hyperlordosis).     

Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain levels in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are characterized by the presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or masticatory muscle pain and dysfunction. Low-level laser is presented as an adjuvant therapeutic modality for the treatment of TMD, especially when the presence of inflammatory pain is suspected.

Objective

To systematically review studies that investigated the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the pain levels in individuals with TMD.

Material and Methods

The databases Scopus, embase, ebsco and PubMed were reviewed from January/2003 to October/2010 with the following keywords: laser therapy, low-level laser therapy, temporomandibular joint disorders, temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular, facial pain and arthralgia, with the inclusion criteria for intervention studies in humans. exclusion criteria adopted were intervention studies in animals, studies that were not written in english, Spanish or Portuguese, theses, monographs, and abstracts presented in scientific events.

Results

After a careful review, 14 studies fit the criteria for inclusion, of which, 12 used a placebo group. As for the protocol for laser application, the energy density used ranged from 0.9 to 105 J/cm², while the power density ranged from 9.8 to 500 mW. The number of sessions varied from 1 to 20 and the frequency of applications ranged from daily for 10 days to 1 time per week for 4 weeks. A reduction in pain levels was reported in 13 studies, with 9 of these occurring only in the experimental group, and 4 studies reporting pain relief for both the experimental group and for the placebo.

Conclusion

Most papers showed that LLLT seemed to be effective in reducing pain from TMD. However, the heterogeneity of the standardization regarding the parameters of laser calls for caution in interpretation of these results. Thus, it is necessary to conduct further research in order to obtain a consensus regarding the best application protocol for pain relief in patients with TMD.     

Delayed temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction induced by whiplash trauma: a controlled prospective study

BACKGROUND: The Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders urged for controlled, prognostic studies of symptoms after whiplash trauma. The authors conducted a study that met the design requirements to enhance knowledge about short-term and long-term temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, dysfunction or both induced by whiplash trauma. METHODS: The authors studied 60 consecutive patients who had neck symptoms after whiplash trauma and were seen at a hospital emergency department. They followed up 59 subjects one full year later. At the inceptive examination and at follow-up, each subject completed a self-administered questionnaire, followed by a comprehensive interview. Fifty-three frequency-matched control subjects followed the same protocol concurrently. RESULTS: The incidence of new symptoms of TMJ pain, dysfunction or both between the inceptive examination and follow-up was five times higher in subjects (34 percent) than in control subjects (7 percent). The frequency of TMJ pain increased significantly in female subjects, as did the frequency of TMJ symptoms that were reported to be the main complaint. At the follow-up, 20 percent of all subjects reported that TMJ symptoms were their main complaint. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that one in three people who are exposed to whiplash trauma is at risk of developing delayed TMJ symptoms that may require clinical management. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Awareness of a significant risk for delayed onset of TMJ symptoms after whiplash trauma is crucial for making adequate diagnoses, prognoses and medicolegal decisions.     

急性和慢性不可复性盘前移位临床对比研究

目的　探讨颞下颌关节紊乱病不可复性盘前移位急性和慢性分类对临床诊断、治疗和预后的指导意义。方法　分析连续接诊的 10 0例不可复性盘前移位病例 (急性 4 5例、慢性 5 5例 ) ,比较两组之间临床主诉、开口度、颞下颌关节功能、髁突和关节盘的影像学改变。结果　急性不可复性盘前移位主诉开口受限 ,下颌运动功能严重障碍 ,大部分病例髁突骨质正常 ,关节盘形态良好 ;慢性不可复性盘前移位主诉多为开口痛和 (或 )咀嚼痛 ,下颌运动受限 ,部分病例伴有咀嚼肌疼痛 ,相当一部分病例髁突骨质吸收破坏 ,关节盘变形、变性 ,关节盘附着松弛、撕裂 ,甚至关节盘穿孔。结论　对急性不可复性盘前移位应早期采取积极的治疗 ,恢复良好的盘 突关系 ,阻止关节盘和髁突的进一步损伤。