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Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a prevalent source of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Women are more commonly diagnosed with TMD and are more likely to seek care at tertiary orofacial pain clinics. Limited knowledge regarding mechanisms underlying temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain impairs development of improved pain management strategies. In a rat model of unilateral TMJOA, monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) produces joint pathology in a concentration-dependent manner. Unilateral MIA produces alterations in meal patterns in males and females without altering overnight time spent eating or weight across 2 weeks. Monosodium iodoacetate (80 mg/mL)-treated males develop ongoing pain within 2 weeks after MIA injection. Females develop ongoing pain at a 5-fold lower MIA concentration (16.6 mg/m). Monosodium iodoacetate (80 mg/mL)-treated males show spread of tactile hypersensitivity across the face during the first week after injection and then to the fore paws and hind paws during the second week after injection, indicating development of central sensitization. At the lower dose, female rats demonstrate a similar spread of tactile hypersensitivity, whereas male rats do not develop ongoing pain or spread of tactile hypersensitivity outside the area of the ipsilateral temporomandibular joint. These observations indicate that females have a higher susceptibility to development of ongoing pain and central sensitization compared with male rats that is not due to differences in MIA-induced joint pathology. This model of TMJOA pain can be used to explore sex differences in pain processes implicated in development of neuropathic pain, ongoing pain, and central sensitization, allowing for development of individualized strategies for prevention and treatment of TMD joint pain.

Background: Chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are both common sleep disorders. Chronic insomnia is thought to result from stress-related physiologic hyperarousal (somatic arousal) that makes it difficult for an individual to fall or stay asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is thought to result from obstructive respiratory events causing arousals, sleep fragmentation, and recurrent oxygen desaturation. Although the two disorders seem different, they predispose to the same long-term, stress-related illnesses, and when they occur in the same individual, each affects the other's response to treatment; they interact. This report of three cases describes patients with both chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea in whom the chronic insomnia remitted with no specific treatment following treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with maxillomandibular advancement., Case Presentations: Our three Caucasians patients each presented with severe, chronic insomnia associated with somatic arousal and fatigue occurring either alone, in association with bipolar disorder, or with temporomandibular joint syndrome. Polysomnography revealed that each patient also had mild obstructive sleep apnea, despite only one snoring audibly. One patient experienced a modest improvement in her somatic arousal, insomnia severity, and fatigue with autotitrating nasal continuous positive airway pressure, but the other two did not tolerate nasal continuous positive airway pressure. None of the patients received treatment for insomnia. All three patients subsequently underwent maxillomandibular advancement to treat mild obstructive sleep apnea and experienced prolonged, complete resolution of somatic arousal, chronic insomnia, and fatigue. The patient with bipolar disorder also experienced complete remission of his symptoms of depression during the 1 year he was followed postoperatively., Conclusions: These three cases lend support to the hypothesis that chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea share a pathophysiology of chronic stress. Among patients with obstructive sleep apnea, the stress response is directed at inspiratory airflow limitation during sleep (hypopnea, snoring, and inaudible fluttering of the throat). Therefore, when chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea occur in one individual, aggressive treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may lead to a reduction in chronic stress that causes the patient's chronic insomnia to remit.

Aims: To determine whether subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) manifesting as chronic myofascial pain (MFP) involving the masseter muscle present with significantly greater masseter muscle width, as evidenced by ultrasound, compared to individuals without MFP., Methods: A case-control study was carried out. A total of 31 subjects presenting with MFP of the masticatory muscles involving the masseter muscle and 35 controls with TMD but no diagnosis of MFP, matched by age and sex, were included. Ultrasound was used to measure the maximum width of both masseter muscles at the intermediate point between the origin and insertion of the muscle in the light occlusal contact (LOC) position and under maximum contraction. Each side was analyzed separately. Means were compared by using single-factor analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test; P < .05 was considered to reflect statistical significance., Results: In the study group, the right masseter muscle had a mean ± standard deviation width of 8.6 ± 1.8 mm under LOC (controls: 8.6 ± 1.6 mm; P = .85) and 11.5 ± 2.1 mm under maximum contraction (controls: 11.7 ± 1.9 mm; P = .86). The analagous measures in the left masseter muscle were 8.6 ± 1.6 mm under LOC (controls: 8.2 ± 1.5 mm; P = .42) and 11.3 ± 1.8 mm under maximum contraction (controls: 11.5 ± 1.8 mm) (P = .79), respectively. The increase in width of the right masseter muscle was 2.9 ± 2.1 mm (controls: 3.1 ± 1.2 mm; P = .67) in absolute terms and 1.4 ± 0.3 mm (controls: 1.4 ± 0.2 mm; P = .91) in relative values (width at maximum contraction/LOC width). In the case of the left masseter muscle, the respective values were 2.8 ± 1.7 mm (controls: 3.2 ± 0.9 mm; P = .25) and 1.3 ± 0.2 mm (controls: 1.4 ± 0.1 mm; P = .32)., Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in masseter muscle width between MFP subjects and control subjects under LOC conditions or maximum contraction. The increase in width under maximum contraction was likewise not significantly different between the groups.

Centric occlusion (CO) and centric relation (CR) have been controversial topics in dentistry for almost 100 years. The concept of CR emerged due to the search for a reproducible mandibular position that would enable the prosthodontic rehabilitation of patients needing denture treatment. The following case study is unique because of 2 questions. Which mandibular treatment splint position (CR or CO) was appropriate for the initial and eventual final treatment of this patient for her temporomandibular disorder/myofascial pain and dysfunction? Also, how might the mandibular position of CR and CO affect the size and shape of the airway? The airway's size and shape is important as it relates to sleep-disordered breathing and potentially leading to obstructive sleep apnea later in life. The authors believe this is the first case report describing how mandibular position of CR and CO may affect not only TMJ position but also the airway shape and size in three dimensions.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess the elongation of the styloid process on digital panoramic radiographs and to evaluate the prevalence of the elongation according to age, sex and types., Patients and Methods: Digital panoramic radiographs of 198 geriatric edentulous patients were analyzed. The radiographic length of the styloid process was measured on both sides using the measurement toolbars on the accompanying analysis software. For statistical analysis, Student's t -test, chi-square test and analysis of variance test were used., Results: The elongated styloid process was seen in 87 of the 198 patients. It was observed that as age increased, elongation of the styloid process increased with a male predominance. Type I elongation was more common than other types of elongation. Bilateral elongation was most commonly found than unilateral elongation, and both types of elongation were frequently seen in males compared with females., Conclusion: The prevalence of the elongated styloid process in the present study was higher in comparison to the other reports from edentulous patients., Competing Interests: Disclosure The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work.

The aim was to study the characteristics of lateral mandibular horizontal deviations during opening-closing movements and their association with TMJ sounds of the clicking type. Subjects were 28 healthy volunteers and 38 patients diagnosed with MRI imaging as having TMJ disc dysfunction, 22 with disc displacement without (DD) and 16 as having disc displacement with reduction (DDR). TMJ sounds were recorded with miniature microphones placed in the ear canals, and jaw movements were documented with a kinesiograph. A sign, unbalanced lateral deviation (ubd) was defined as a rapid, short duration, change in jaw movement direction from, and back to, a smooth deviation path in the horizontal plane. The hypotheses were that degrees of maximal deviations, proportions of unbalanced deviation (ubd) and such deviation associated with TMJ sounds (ubdS), differ between healthy subjects and patients with DD or DDR. Comparisons between groups were made using one-way anova and chi-square analysis, as appropriate. No differences were found between groups regarding degree of lateral deviation per se. The proportions of ubd and ubdS were significantly higher in patients with DDR than in healthy subjects and than in patients with DD (P < 0·001), but no such differences were found between healthy subjects and patients with DD. For prediction of DDR, the sensitivity and specificity of the sign ubdS were found to be 68·8% and 89·3%, respectively. For the sign ubd, they were 100·0% and 64·3%. This indicates that the sign ubdS has diagnostic value in screening for DDR., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: To investigate the safety, suitable treatment regimen, and efficacy of masseter and temporal muscle massage treatment using an oral rehabilitation robot., Methods: Forty-one temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with myofascial pain (8 men, 33 women, median age: 46 years) were enrolled. The safety, suitable massage regimen, and efficacy of this treatment were investigated. Changes in masseter muscle thickness were evaluated on sonograms., Results: No adverse events occurred with any of the treatment sessions. Suitable massage was at pressure of 10 N for 16 minutes. Five sessions were performed every 2 weeks. Total duration of treatment was 9·5 weeks in median. Massage treatment was effective in 70·3% of patients. Masseter muscle thickness decreased with treatment in the therapy-effective group., Conclusion: This study confirmed the safety of massage treatment, and established a suitable regimen. Massage was effective in 70·3% of patients and appeared to have a potential as one of the effective treatments for myofascial pain.

Objectives: Condylar position in the glenoid fossa has been associated with temporomandibular disorders. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between clinical dysfunction index (Di) and mandibular condylar position in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants were recruited from the Department of Maxillofacial Radiology at Shiraz Dental University in Iran. The condylar position was assessed on the CBCT images of 120 temporomandibular joints in 60 patients with TMD. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on Helkimo's clinical Di. The chi-square test was used to correlate degree of the Helkimo's Di with the mandibular condylar position. The p value was set at 0.05., Results: A total of 60 patients (42 women and 18 men; mean age, 33.4 years) participated in this study. Significant differences in condylar position were found among the 3 groups (Di I, II, and III) (p < 0.05). Patients with mild to moderate TMD were found to have anteriorly and concentric seated condyles. Posteriorly seated condyles were found in patients with severe TMD., Conclusion: Condylar position is associated with different severity of TMD., (Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Temporomandibular joint syndrome, or Costen syndrome, is a clinically diagnosed disorder whose most common symptoms include joint pain and clicking, difficulty opening the mouth, and temporomandibular joint discomfort. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is supplied by the auriculotemporal nerve, a collateral branch of the mandibular nerve (the V3 branch of the trigeminal nerve)., Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of permanent peripheral nerve stimulation to relieve TMJ pain., Study Design: This case series is a prospective study., Setting: Pain Unit of a regional universitary hospital., Methods: The study included 6 female patients with temporomandibular pain lasting from 2 to 8 years that did not respond to intraarticular local anesthetic and corticoid injections. After a positive diagnostic block test, the patients were implanted with quadripolar or octapolar leads in the affected preauricular region for a 2-week stimulation test phase, after which the leads were connected to a permanent implanted pulse generator. Results of the visual analog scale, SF-12 Health Survey, Brief Pain Inventory, and drug intake were recorded at baseline and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the permanent implant., Results: Five out of 6 patients experienced pain relief exceeding 80% (average 72%) and received a permanent implant. The SF-12 Health Survey results were very positive for all specific questions, especially items concerning the physical component. Patients reported returning to normal physical activity and rest at night. Four patients discontinued their analgesic medication and 1 patient reduced their gabapentin dose by 50%., Limitations: Sample size; impossibility of placebo control., Conclusion: Patients affected with TMJ syndrome who do not respond to conservative treatments may find a solution in peripheral nerve stimulation, a simple technique with a relatively low level of complications.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between articular eminence steepness and clinical dysfunction index (Di) in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)., Study Design: In this study, CBCT images of 60 temporomandibular joints in 30 patients with TMD were evaluated. The eminence inclination values were measured on CBCT images. Patients were subdivided into 3 groups based on Helkimo's clinical Di. The data were analyzed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient test., Results: The results of the present study did not confirm any significant differences in the values of articular eminence inclinations among the 3 groups (P value >.05)., Conclusion: Based on the present study, there is no apparent relationship between the articular eminence inclination and the clinical Di in patients with TMD., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a term that encompasses a number of overlapping conditions, such as closed lock. Closed lock of the TMJ is considered a consequence of a nonreducing deformed disc acting as an obstacle to the sliding condylar head that usually causes a decrease in the maximum mouth opening and acute pain. The management of the TMJ is still controversial. Thus, arthrocentesis of the TMJ is a valuable modification of the traditional method of arthroscopic lavage, which consists of washing the joint in order to remove chemical inflammatory mediators and intra-articular adhesions, changing intra-articular pressure. TMJ disorder has always presented as a therapeutic challenge to maxillofacial surgeons. Therefore, this paper aimed to describe a clinical report of a closed lock of the left TMJ in a 19-year-old female subject who was successfully treated by arthrocentesis procedure.

The articular disc plays an important role as a stress absorber in joint movement, resulting in stress reduction and redistribution in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The flow of synovial fluid in the TMJ may follow a regular pattern during movement of the jaw. We hypothesised that the regular pattern is disrupted when the TMJ disc is perforated. By computed tomography arthrography, we studied the upper TMJ compartment in patients with small disc perforation during jaw opening-closing at positions from 0 to 3 cm. Finite element fluid dynamic modelling was accomplished to analyse the pattern of fluid flow and pressure distribution during the movements. The results showed that the fluid flow in the upper compartment generally formed an anticlockwise circulation but with local vortexes with the jaw opening up to 2 cm. However, when the jaw opening-closing reached 3 cm, an abnormal flow field and the fluid pressure change associated with the perforation may increase the risk of perforation expansion or rupture and is unfavourable for self-repair of the perforated disc., (© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

The relationship between temporomandibular joints (TMJ) osteoarthritis and masticatory muscle disorders is poorly understood. The data are sparse, the results are conflicting, and electromyographic (EMG) power spectrum analysis has not been used. The aims of this study were to compare the differences in EMG power spectrum during, and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) before and after, sustained clenching in patients with unilateral TMJ osteoarthritis and healthy control subjects. Nineteen patients with unilateral TMJ osteoarthritis without masticatory muscle pain and 20 control subjects were evaluated. We measured EMG amplitudes at maximum voluntary contraction, median frequency from the EMG power spectrum during sustained clenching at 70% and PPTs before and after the clenching in both temporalis and masseter muscles. There were no significant differences in PPT decrease between muscles or between groups during sustained clenching. There were no significant differences in maximum voluntary contraction EMG activity ratios of affected to unaffected sides between groups, or of masseter to temporalis muscles between affected and unaffected side of patients with TMJ osteoarthritis. Median frequencies decreased from the beginning to the end of the sustained clench, and the interaction between group and clench was significant: the median frequency decrease was larger in the osteoarthritis group. Our results suggested that masticatory muscles of patients with unilateral TMJ osteoarthritis are more easily fatigued during sustained clenching than normal subjects., (© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Aim: Dysfunctional syndrome of the temporomandibular joint through the complexity and variability of the symptoms may result in significant structural and functional changes leading from discomfort to disability and a negative impact on quality of life., Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted between October 2009-December 2010, in 52 subjects diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and complaining of symptoms in the temporomandibular joint. The functional examination of the joint and muscle has included the assessment of the active range of motion, passive range of motion, resistance range of motions of the temporomandibular joint, dermatomes and the pain in the region of masseter, temporalis, median and lateral pterigoids, digastric, sternocleidomastoid and longus colli muscles. The ultrasound examination has included clinical aspects of alignment, shape, dynamics of the mandibular condyle, of the temporal fossa, aspects regarding the temporal and masseter muscles at rest and at contraction phases., Results: The clinical examination highlighted the presence of pain at temporomandibular jointlevel for all tested pacients. The majority complained the pain from moderate to severe level. For the majorityof cases (59,60%) the pain stars spontaneously, during the day time (80,80%) and the night time (50,60%). Over 50% from the research cases complained cracks at the temporomandibular joint level released by a movement. At the oral and dental examination of the research group 55,8% from the tested pacients presented dental cavities toothless partially or totally duet o additionally overworking temporomandibular joint. The limitation of the range of motion is not the most important detected dysfunction, affecting approximately 30% of the cases that have been studied. Pain and spasm in a very large proportion are present in the masseter and temporal muscles regions. Atrophy is present in a lesser extent. The dysfunctional index shows an involvement of the temporomandibular joint, for over 45% of patients tested. The ultrasound examination revealed degenerative inflammatory lesions at a rate of 38.46%, inflammatory lesions at a rate of 28.85% and mixed lesions at a rate of 9.62%., Conclusions: The research regarding the clinical paraclinical and functional aspects of temporomandibular joint, permited to highlight the fact that rheumatic inflamatory and degenerative, pathology, characterises it self through a high index of morbidity and disability that lowers the life quality. Establishing a treatment plan involves customizing all clinical, functional and laboratory data.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the articular eminence inclination and height according to age and gender in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and healthy controls using cone beam CT (CBCT)., Methods: The measurements were performed on CBCT records of 52 TMJ dysfunction patients (11 males and 41 females) and 41 control patients (17 males and 24 females). The eminence inclination and height were measured on the CBCT images., Results: The eminence inclination and height values were higher in males than in females in both TMJ dysfunction patient and control groups; however, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). While no statistically significant differences were found in the eminence inclination and height values between the age groups (p>0.05) in the TMJ dysfunction patient group, there were statistically significant differences in the control group. The eminence inclination was highest between the ages of 21 and 30 years and showed a decrease after the age of 30 years. Additionally, the eminence inclinations of the control patients were statistically higher than those of the TMJ dysfunction patients., Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in eminence inclination and height according to gender. The eminence inclination reaches its highest value between the ages of 21 and 30 years and shows a decrease after the age of 31 years in healthy patients. The eminence inclination was steeper in healthy control patients than in patients with TMJ dysfunction.

Knowledge of the Eagle's syndrome shows that its symptoms can be very easily confused with other types of craniomandibular disorders, especially temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to find a possible correlation between the presence of TMD and elongation of the styloid process as well relate to presence of calcification of the stilohyoid chain. Fifty patients with TMD, confirmed from the RDC/TMD, were examined clinically and radiographically. Radiographic documentation consisted of digital panoramic radiograph and digital lateral cephalometric radiograph. Radiocef software (Radiomemory) was used for the analysis of radiographs by means of specific cephalometric tracing and linear measurements of the styloid process. Each radiograph was traced and measured three times with intervals of 1 month to spread the error. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's test (p=0.001) using Biostat 4.0 statistical software. Result showed an incidence of 76% elongation of the styloid process in the sample. There was a correlation between the bilateral measures taken in panoramic radiographs (?<0.001) and also for measures of styloid process length carried out in different panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalometric radiographs (?<0.001). It was concluded that there is prevalence of elongated styloid process in patients with TMD. However, no relationship was found between measurements on the stylohyoid chain and symptoms of headache, orofacial pain, tinnitus and vertigo.

A practising dentist often meets pains of different location and limited ability of mouth opening, locomotor disorder, the cause of which is difficult to identify and explain. There is a particular group of patients with functional disorder who turn to several doctors with their varied and colorful symptoms. Most of these patients suffer from cranio-mandibular disfunction (CMD). You must not indicate any treatment especially not an invasive one without a diagnosis. While relieving the patient's pains, you have to determine the cause and effect. The authors suggest discussing the issue of giving a unanimous definition of masticatory organ disfunction as an interdisciplinary diagnosis which is in accord with international bibliography. They review the algorithm of diagnosis, indication of medical examination by demonstrating some typical cases. They share their experience gained during several decades of clinical practise involving about 2,000 patients.

Background: Petrotympanic fissure (PTF) is a fissure in the temporal bone that runs from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to the tympanic cavity (TC). In PTF, the discomallear ligament (DML) connects the malleus in the tympanic cavity and the articular disc and capsule of the temporomandibular joint. PTF with the DML is a possible cause of aural symptoms related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)., Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of different types of PTF in TMD using dental volumetric tomography (DVT) and determine whether PTF type correlates with age., Material and Methods: DVT scans in the sagittal planes of PTFs of 134 patients with TMD were examined for the types of PTF present. Three main PTF types were described: wide, tunnel-shaped structure (type 1); tunnel-shaped structure that is wide open in the PTF entrance to the mandibular fossa and gradually thins out in the tympanic cavity (type 2), tunnel-shaped structure that is wide open in the entrance of the mandibular fossa, with a middle region with a flat-shaped tunnel structure and a narrow exit in the tympanic cavity (type 3)., Results: In DVT scans, PTF types 1, 2 and 3 were seen in 67.2%, 1.5%, and 31.3% of cases, respectively. We found no significant relationship between age or gender and PTF type., Conclusion: The low percentage of type 2 PTF and high percentage of type 1 PTF must be taken into consideration during pre-surgical planning related to TMD. However, future well-designed clinical studies involving larger numbers of subjects will be necessary to confirm the findings of this study.

Diagnostics of disorders of mandibular articulation of 95 patients with TMJ dysfunction were described. Collecting the data from transcranial x-ray examination, CT, MRT and computerized axijgraphy of TMJ typical disorders of articulation of the mandibular at 4 base clinio-roentgenogical forms of TMJ dysfunction were found.

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the sonographic features of the masseter muscle as indices for judging the efficacy of massage treatment., Study Design: Fifteen patients with temporomandibular disorder (10 with unilateral and 5 with bilateral muscle pain) underwent massage treatment alternately on the bilateral masseter and temporal muscles with an oral rehabilitation robot. Sonography was performed before and after treatment, and the masseter thickness and existence of anechoic areas were evaluated., Results: The thickness on the symptomatic side in the unilateral group significantly decreased after treatment. Anechoic areas were shown in 20 muscles (66.7%) before treatment, and disappeared or were reduced in size in 17 muscles (85.0%) after treatment. The pretreatment thickness was significantly related to visual analog scale (VAS) scores regarding posttreatment muscle pain and massage impression. The existence of anechoic areas was relevant to VAS scores regarding muscle pain., Conclusion: Masseter thickness and existence of anechoic areas might be related to the therapeutic efficacy regarding muscle pain., (Copyright © 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The purposes of the study were to evaluate the utility of diagnosing degenerative joint disease (DJD) by the clinical finding of coarse crepitus alone, without supporting imaging studies, as defined by the RDC/TMD, and to evaluate the contribution of panoramic radiography as an aid in the diagnosis of DJD. A retrospective analysis of 372 consecutive patients with TMD was conducted. Their panoramic radiographs were evaluated for the extent of their contribution to the final diagnosis. Panoramic radiography was of no diagnostic value in 94.4% of the cases when the group was considered as a whole. When patients diagnosed with DJD were considered separately, panoramic radiography was completely sufficient for reaching the final diagnosis in 20.0% of the cases. In almost 90% of these patients, however, the clinical examination did not support the diagnosis of DJD (no coarse crepitus was found). This raises some doubts about the effectiveness of the clinical examination according to the RDC/TMD and about the utility of panoramic radiography in the definitive diagnosis of DJD, because both techniques have low accuracy (11.1% and 20%, respectively). The present study supports the current recommendations that panoramic radiography should not be ordered routinely to assess DJD, but still it is first choice when any dental problem is suspected. Further additional imaging (computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) should be considered only if there is reason to expect that the findings might affect diagnosis and management. This study adds to recent criticisms of the clinical validity of the RDC/TMD, with regard to DJD.

Objective: To screen patients with oligoarticular and polyarticular forms of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) to determine (i) the severity of their class II skeletal pattern; (ii) temporomandibular joint signs and symptoms and (iii) use of systemic corticosteroids., Design: Cross-sectional screening., Subjects and Setting: Sixty-eight children with JIA aged between 9 and 16 years old who were screened at four regional treatment centres in the UK., Method: Patients were screened clinically and radiographically for the presence of class II skeletal pattern and temporomandibular (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome. In addition, the JIA sub-type and history of disease activity and medication were recorded., Main Outcome Measures: Class II skeletal pattern, TMJ signs and symptoms, use of systemic corticosteroids., Results: The mean ANB values were 4.2 degrees (SD = 2.9 degrees) in the oligoarticular group and 5.1 degrees (SD = 3.8 degrees) in the polyarticular group. Just under one-third of children had a moderate or severe class II skeletal pattern and a further quarter of children had a mild class II skeletal pattern. Clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome were low (<20%), except for crepitus and click which affected between 24 and 40% of JIA children. Radiographically, 57% of oligoarticular and 77% of polyarticular cases exhibited condylar erosion. Use of systemic corticosteroids varied between centres, but overall, was prescribed more in polyarticular cases (P = 0.001)., Conclusions: Just under one-third of oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA patients exhibited a moderate or severe class II skeletal pattern. It is, therefore, likely that any future clinical trial to investigate the effect of functional appliance treatment in JIA patients, will need multicentre co-operation to fulfil potential sample size requirements. Clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome were low except for crepitus and click. However, radiographic evidence of condylar erosion was high particularly in the polyarticular group. Use of systemic corticosteroids was prescribed more in polyarticular cases and this is likely to reflect the severity of the disease.

To examine the stiffness of the masseter muscle using sonographic elastography and to investigate its relationship with the most comfortable massage pressure in the healthy volunteers. In 16 healthy volunteers (10 men and 6 women), the Masseter Stiffness Index (MSI) was measured using EUB-7000 real-time tissue elastography. They underwent massages at three kinds of pressures using the Oral Rehabilitation Robot (WAO-1). A subjective evaluation regarding the comfort of each massage was recorded on the visual analogue scale. Elastography was also performed in two patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction with the myofascial pain. The mean MSI of the right and left muscles in the healthy volunteers were 0.85 +/- 0.44 and 0.74 +/- 0.35 respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and left MSI in the healthy volunteers. The MSI was related to massage pressure at which the healthy men felt most comfortable. The two temporomandibular disorder patients had a large laterality in the MSI. The MSI was related to the most comfortable massage pressure in the healthy men. The MSI can be one index for determining the massage pressure.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of clinical TMJ diagnosis, gender, and age on the agreement between expected and actual radiographic findings., Study Design: A total of 204 patients with TMJ symptoms were examined using the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD). Expected radiographic findings were recorded. TMJ tomograms in closed and open mouth position were assessed for osseous changes and condyle position. Expected and actual findings were compared. Logistic regression analyses were performed with agreement on radiographic findings as the dependent variable and with clinical RDC/TMD diagnoses, gender and age as the independent variables., Results: The number of radiographic findings was mostly underestimated. A clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis and age increased the chance of overestimating osseous changes. Disc displacement and age decreased the chance of agreement on certain condyle positions., Conclusion: Tomography often revealed unexpected findings. It was not possible to select particular patient groups who would benefit more or less from a radiographic examination.

Aim: To identify associations between clinical symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders and radiographic findings., Methods: Two hundred four adult patients (156 women, 48 men, mean age 40 years) with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain/sounds or changes in mandibular motion were examined according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Bilateral sagittal corrected TMJ tomograms in closed and open positions were assessed for the presence of flattening, erosion, osteophytes, and sclerosis in the joint components and the range of mandibular motion. Logistic regression analyses were performed with the radiographic findings as the dependent variables and the following clinical variables as independent variables: opening pattern, maximal jaw opening, TMJ sounds, number of painful muscle/TMJ sites, duration of pain, presence of arthritic disease, depression and somatization scores, graded chronic pain, and age and gender., Results: Coarse crepitus on opening/closing (odds ratio [OR] > or = 3.12), on lateral excursions (odds ratio > or = 4.06), and on protrusion (OR > or = 5.30) was associated with increased risk of degenerative findings in tomograms. A clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis increased the risk of radiographic findings (OR > or = 2.95) and so did increasing age (OR > or = 1.03 per year) and the female gender (OR > or = 2.36). Maximal assisted opening and maximal opening without pain (< 40 mm) was associated with a posterior condyle-to-articular tubercle position (OR > or = 2.60). No other significant associations were observed., Conclusion: Age, gender, and coarse crepitus, but no pain-related variables, were associated with increased risk of degenerative findings in TMJ tomograms. Maximal opening < 40 mm was associated with a posterior condyle-to-articular tubercle relation on opening.

Objective: The objective of this study was the evaluation of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography with Technetium 99m Methylene Diphosphonate (SPECT with 99mTc-MDP) and computed tomography (CT), simultaneously acquired image in diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction., Study Design: A prospective study was conducted with 33 patients, 29 female and 4 male, all of then presenting signs and/or complaints suggestive of temporomandibular dysfunction. SPECT/CT with 99mTc-MDP was performed in all patients and imaging results compared with final diagnosis and clinical outcome., Results: The correlation of signs and symptoms with SPECT/CT imaging showed sensitivity 100%, specificity 90.91%, and accuracy 96.97%., Conclusions: SPECT/CT with 99mTc-MDP coregistered imaging fusion is a suitable method of temporomandibular dysfunction diagnosis, due to the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy observed.

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiological findings of untreated closed lock patients at least 22 months after initial diagnosis. Ten patients with closed lock in at least one joint who had received no treatment were included in the study. Clinically maximum mouth opening, joint pain and joint sounds were recorded. Radiologically position of the disc, disc morphology, bone degeneration and presence of fluid were determined on magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical and radiological examinations were repeated 2-5 years after initial examinations. Results were statistically compared using either the non-parametric McNemar test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. There were significant improvements in both mouth opening capacity and prevalence of joint pain, while no significant change in radiological examination. The results of this study suggested that closed lock patients undergo active adaptation in clinical symptoms.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine ultrasonographic appearances in female patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) associated with myofascial pain in comparison with healthy volunteers., Study Design: The thickness of the masseter muscle in 25 female patients with TMD was measured at rest and at maximum contraction using ultrasonography. The visibility and width of the internal echogenic bands of the masseter muscle were also assessed and the muscle appearance was classified as 1 of 3 types: type I, characterized by the clear visibility of the fine bands; type II, thickening and weakened echo-intensity of the bands; type III, disappearance or reduction in number of the bands., Results: There were significant differences in the thickness at rest and the increase ratio by contraction between the patient and control groups. The distribution of muscle types showed a significant difference between the 2 groups., Conclusion: The ultrasonographic features of the masseter muscle in TMD patients with myofascial pain were clarified and they might be related to muscle edema.

Cone beam CT (CBCT) is a new technique for maxillofacial imaging. We describe a reconstruction technique for radiographic examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using CBCT, and we further present four cases where the technique was employed. The technique provides a complete radiographic investigation of the bony components of the TMJ. The reconstructed images are of high diagnostic quality. The examination time is shorter and the patient dose is lower than that with conventional CT. It may therefore be considered as the imaging technique of choice when investigation of bony changes of the TMJ is the task at hand.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a common site of complaint. Clicking sounds and pain are indicators of a frequent condition called internal derangement, most often affecting females. As a general term, internal derangement describes a structural abnormality within an articulation. The internal derangement of the TMJ is a specific term defined as an abnormal positional and functional relationship between the disk and articulating surfaces. Imaging of the joint is an important element in the diagnostic work-up. Trauma and inflammatory arthritis account for most of the other TMJ problems. A thorough understanding of joint anatomy and normal function is a prerequisite for perceiving abnormalities and making the correct diagnosis. The authors elucidate joint anatomy, correlating cadaveric specimen and anatomic slices with conventional and cross-sectional imaging studies. TMJ biomechanics are illustrated with schematics and animations, and an overview of imaging strategies and techniques is presented. Common abnormalities are described and illustrated, and a brief discussion of therapeutic options is included., (Copyright RSNA, 2003)

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).

Background: Temporomandibular disorders are not an uncommon finding in adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment., Patient and Methods: In a 25-year-old female patient with neutroclusion, bialveolar protrusion with anterior crowding, and mesial tipping of tooth 27 due to early loss of tooth 26, a unilateral clicking in the right temporomandibular joint was recorded as a secondary finding. Clinical and instrumental functional analysis revealed right-sided anterior disc displacement with reduction, which had been induced by forced guidance of the mandible to posterior. Space was to be gained by extracting tooth 41, by closing the residual gap at tooth 26, and by interproximal reduction of the dental enamel in the right upper buccal region. In addition, occlusal adjustment was to be undertaken subsequently to eliminate the forced guidance and to achieve a slightly overcorrected Class I relationship., Result: Treatment wit a complete fixed appliance fulfilled the treatment objectives, with normal functioning of the temporomandibular joint being achieved. This case of a patient with a temporomandibular disorder is used to illustrate steps in diagnosis and functional analysis. Steps which ensure not only a successful orthodontic outcome but also a beneficial orthopedic effect on the temporomandibular joint.

Pain in the temporomandibular joint is often the result of internal derangement, other causes are traumatic, functional or inflammatory processes. Conventional radiography is indicated in case of suspected trauma or for specialised preoperative measurements to plan the treatment of various facial dysplasias. MRI and CT should be used in the context with the results of clinical investigation and of axiography to differentiate the various functional and morphological abnormalities of this joint.

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.

An 18-year-old male presented with symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A panoramic radiograph revealed slight erosion of the condylar heads, and an incidental finding of multilocular radiolucencies in the zygomatic processes of the right and left temporal bones. CT scans were undertaken to exclude any sinister cause. The radiolucencies were shown to be extensive bilateral pneumatization of the temporal bones. Conservative management relieved the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.

Objective: The characteristics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bone changes showed by X-ray films in patients diagnosed as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJDs) were investigated., Methods: X-ray films of 792 TMJDs patients who were diagnosised as TMJDs in our hospital from 1988 to 1995 were studied. Among them, 330 cases were male and 462 cases were female. Their ages ranged from 11 to 66 years old, averaged 27.4 years old. Bilateral TMJ, 1584 sides in all, were checked by X-ray. Among them, 210 cases (420 sides) were examined with transcraniall projective technique, 223 cases (446 sides) with tomogram, and 359 cases (718 sides) with both tomogram and transcranial projective techniques, Clinician observed and discussed the films together with the radiographer, and then the final radio-diagnosis was got., Results: 1. 288 (25.31%) out of 1138 condyles examined with transcranial projective technique (temporal articular surface can not be observed accurately in this kind of films) and 82 (7.04%) out of 1164 condyles, 74 (6.36%) out of 1164 temporal articular surfaces checked with tomogram showed osseous changes. With analyzing on 718 sides of 356 cases checked with both methods, it was found that transcranial projective technique was more sensitive to TMJ osseous changes (P < 0.01). 2. The types of osseous changes: within the osseous changes of condyles showed in transcranial projection, 126 sides (43.75%) were mainly hyperplasia, and 140 sides showed absorptive changes. Moreover, both kinds of alterations appeared in 22 sides (7.64%). Among the condyles with osseous changes showed in tomogram, 28 sides were mainly hyperplasia and 54 sides showed absorptive changes, while two kinds of changes were not found in the same tomogram. But for temporal articular surface, 34 sides showed hyperplasia and 6 sides absorptive changes as their chief alterations. And the other 34 sides showed the two kinds of changes. Hyperplasia appeared more frequently in temporal articular surface than in condyles showed in tomogram (P < 0.01). 3. It was found that the osseous alterations were liable to occur in anterior condyle slope (88.19% in the films checked with transcranial projective technique, 81.71% in the films checked with tomography), the top (72.97% in the films checked with tomography) and the posterior slopes (71.62% in the films checked with tomography) of the articular eminence., Conclusion: Being considered the characteristics of the osseous changes, the abnormal mechanics around ICP and physiological or pathological remodeling principles of different parts of TMJ might be explained. Further researches on the selection of the two examinational methods of TMJ were suggested.

We describe a case of a 59-year-old woman who remained drowsy and developed a left hemiparesis following right temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis and lavage for TMJ dysfunction. CT demonstrated an extradural haematoma. This is the first reported case of an extradural haematoma following TMJ arthrocentesis.

Clinical and x-ray picture of the syndrome of painful dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is described. Differential diagnosis of this syndrome and other articular diseases with similar clinical symptoms is presented. Treatment strategy is described in brief.

Dentists modify and construct occlusions. This occurs on a daily basis in the disciplines of restorative, fixed and removable prosthetics and orthodontics. These procedures influence the TMJ, the muscles of mastication, the supporting structure of the teeth and the teeth as well. Dentists have an opportunity to not only objectively analyze how they all interrelate, but to create a physiological harmonious relationship. This will reduce a traumatic occlusion to one that is within the histological adaptive range for the tissue to accommodate. This knowledge can be applied to not only help patientsí pain and dysfunction, but to ensure confidence that dentists are not going to be responsible for iatrogenic results. The future of dentistry is not only being able to effectively deal with TMD but to prevent the problems. Management of mandibular whiplash and migraine headaches are also becoming our responsibility. Dentists are the specialists of occlusion. With the technology available to render this quality of care, they must fulfill their obligation to the public, take responsibility and continue to increase their capability. This approach to dentistry provides a new "window of opportunity" as its many applications have yet to be explored.

A case of exuberant pneumatization of the left sphenoid sinus into the pterygoid process and floor of the middle cranial fossa is presented. The fact that pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus is frequently atypical is of clinical import because there is an intimate relationship between the contents of a hyperaerated sinus and adjacent vital facial and cranial structures. It is imperative that clinicians determine the location and extent of the walls of the sphenoid sinus and its relationship to adjacent vital structures whenever endoscopic sinus surgery is contemplated to avoid morbid consequences during surgery.

Objective: To determine the effect of sustained incisal clenching on the width of the temporomandibular joint space., Methods: Nine normal subjects clenched on an anterior appliance for 10 min at 49 N. Sagittal tomograms were obtained during comfortable closure in the intercuspal position (ICP) (ICP-Before), comfortable closure on bite force transducer without clenching (BFT-Before), start of clenching (BFT-0), end of 5 min clenching (BFT-5), end of 10 min clenching (BFT-10), comfortable closure on the bite force transducer immediately after clenching (BFT-After) and comfortable closure in ICP after clenching (ICP-After). Joint space dimensions were automatically measured by a computerized image analysis system., Results: The minimum joint space dimension was significantly reduced at BFT-5 (P = 0.0381), BFT-10 (P = 0.0019) and BFT-After (P = 0.0053) in relation to BFT-Before. The condylar position was also significantly shifted upward at BFT-0 (P = 0.0422), BFT-5 (P = 0.0005), BFT-10 (P = 0.0001), and BFT-After (P = 0.0004) in relation to BFT-Before., Conclusion: Sustained incisal clenching at 49 N causes significant anterior joint space reduction. We believe this is due to marked compression of the articular cartilage and disc.

Cranio-mandibular dysfunction therapy of a moderate Angle Class III malocclusion with retroclined incisors with anterior crossbite and pronounced crowding was based not on extraction of the first premolars but on protrusion of the incisors and the extraction of one lower incisor.

Statement of Problem: Condylar position and stability after treatment of 40 temporomandibular disorder patients was studied., Purpose: This study determined pretreatment position and posttreatment condylar stability., Material and Methods: Forty temporomandibular disorder patients with symptoms of muscles of mastication pain, temporomandibular joint sounds, attrition, interceptive occlusal contacts, and restricted range of motion were used. Axial corrected midcut sagittal tomograms were made of the 80 temporomandibular joints before treatment. Tracings from the tomograms were used to measure and analyze pretreatment position and posttreatment stability., Results: Pretreatment condyle fossa position was not concentric in 26 of 80 patients (32.5%). Posttreatment condylar position showed no change and was statistically stable., Conclusion: In this study of 40 temporomandibular disorder patients, no statistical change in condylar position was detected. Variable condylar positions were found in the 80 pretreatment axial corrected midcut sagittal tomograms. All patients were asymptomatic after 1 year.