Volume 18 - Issue 3

Because the concept of whiplash as a causative factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is highly controversial, we decided to do a retrospective analysis of patients treated in our office who had sustained whiplash injuries and were treated for cervical and temporomandibular disorders. The records of 300 patients with TMD preceded by a motor vehicle accident were examined retrospectively. The most common presenting symptoms, in order, were: jaw pain, neck pain, post-traumatic headache, jaw fatigue, and ...

The article introduces an alternative method for manipulation and reduction of acute closed locks. The method is described as the Assisted Lateral Reduction Technique (ALRT). The authors have used the ALRT on more than 150 patients and found it more effective and easier to administer than the more common manipulation and reduction techniques (MRT) in the management of acute closed locks which have been extensively documented in the literature.l- 3 Both techniques are highlighted ...

Orofacial sensory changes are uncommon complaints that can coexist with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The location, character, and intensity vary greatly with each individual and symptom fluctuation is not unusual for any patient. The etiology of orofacial sensory changes may be related to either local or systemic factors. Several investigators have reported that muscle entrapment of branches of the third division of the trigeminal nerve may result in orofacial sensory disruption. Different theories have been suggested ...

This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of head and neck position on bilateral electromyographic (EMG) activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscles. The study was performed on 16 patients with myogenic cranio-cervical-mandibular dysfunction (CMD) and 16 healthy subjects. EMG recordings at rest and during swallowing of saliva and maximal voluntary clenching were performed by placing surface electrodes on the right and left sternocleidomastoid muscles. EMG activity was recorded in the left lateral decubitus ...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between general joint hypermobility, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypertranslation and signs and symptoms of TMJ intra-articular disorders. One hundred twenty individuals constituted the sample, divided into two groups: Group I (symptomatic) included 60 patients with complaints of joint noises, pain, or jaw locking, and Group II (nonsymptomatic) included 60 people with no TMD complaints. The Beighton's hypermobility score addressed the systemic laxity while lateral x-rays ...

This study tested the hypothesis that parafunctional clenching increases pain, can lead to a diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain, and can produce reductions in proprioceptive awareness. Twenty individuals participated in EMG biofeedback training sessions on the left and right temporalis and masseter muscles. No subjects had TMD prior to training. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a Decrease group, who were instructed to maintain EMG activity below 2 µV during training, or an Increase ...

This comparative study by groups assesses the profiles of TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) and bruxism patients and TMD-nonbruxing patients regarding chief complaint, previous medical and dental consultations, duration of the chief complaint, previous medication, and use of splints. The sample consisted of a group of 340 TMD patients, 275 of whom were bruxers and 65 who were nonbruxers. Both patients and controls were consecutive referrals over a period of five years. The group of TMD and ...

The purpose of this study was to compare a computer-aided method specially programmed for the measurement of the posterior angle of the articular eminence with formerly used methods, to investigate the angulation differences at different depths of slices, and to evaluate correlation with the transverse angulation. Three slices (central, medial, and lateral) at various depths of the glenoid fossa belonging to 64 dry skulls and two measurement methods were used in this study. The angulation ...