Original scientific paper
Comparison of Clinical, Instrumental and Imaging Methods in Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders
Gülcan Coşkun Akar
; Ege University, School of Dentistry, Izmir, Turkey
Adalet Erdem
; Ege University, School of Dentistry, Izmir, Turkey
Emel Ada
; Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
Timur Köse
; Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
Abstract
Objective: In addition to the clinical evaluation, it was aimed to assess the traces obtained by computerized axiography of the condylar movements in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in healthy individuals together with disc displacements and staged MRI images of these traces obtained in other joint positions. Material and Methods: 18 cases with muscle disorders (16 women and 2 men with mean ages; 32.06±15.99) and 11 cases (11 women, mean age 25.27 ±10.05) observed to have intraarticular disorders at different degrees as a result of MRI evaluation. The control group consisted of 10 cases (6 women and 4 men with mean ages; 22.20 ±2.39). Computerized axiography recordings of all cases were taken. MRI images taken from the cases with intraarticular disorders were evaluated. Joint sounds and mandibular range of motion were evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically. (Mann Whitney-U, Student t-test, One-way ANOVA and Chi-Square α=0.05). Results: The differences between TMD groups and control groups as regards the degrees of mouth opening movement were insignificant (p=0.27). The difference between the internal derangement and muscle disorder groups regarding TMJ sounds were insignificant (p=0.09). The length of the tracings of the asymptomatic control group as regards TMJs was generally symmetrical and in normal range. The tracings of the muscle disorder group were generally similar to those of the control group, however, the reproducibility of the movement was not as good as that in the control group. The tracings of patients with different stages as diagnosed by MRI were shorter than normal, and deviations on pathways in all cases, and crossings in some, were observed. Conclusion: In addition to careful clinical evaluation, function-based diagnosis techniques and imaging systems were utilised. Bony structures and especially soft tissues of the TMJ can be examined by means of MRI and the relations of the tissues with each other can be evaluated. In the method rendering information about the functional condition of the joint, objective data can be filed and the process of treatment can be evaluated.
Keywords
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; TMJ Diseases; Radiography
Hrčak ID:
26713
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2008.
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