A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE CLINICAL DATA OF THE PATIENTS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION
1Aydın Devlet Hastanesi, Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastalıkları, Aydın, Turkey Objective: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common pathology in the population. This pathology, which may cause many different symptoms, adversely affects the quality of life. Therefore, its diagnosis and treatment are important.In this study, we aimed to retrospectively analyze the current complaints and findings of patients with TMJ dysfunction.
Materials and Methods: 100 patients who were admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic were included in this study. Etiological factors, additional symptoms, examination findings, affected muscles and pain scores of the patients were examined. The clinical informations were compared with the findings of the examination. Different treatment modalities were recommended to the patients. Pain scores were re-analyzed after treatment.
Results: Of the patients included in the study, 75 were female and 25 were male. 64% of the patients were affected by one side. Myofascial pain was the most common etiological factor. The most common findings were palpation tenderness and crepitation. The masseter was the most affected muscle. The pain scores of the patients were 3.62 ± 2.21 (0-8; 4) and after the appropriate treatments decreased to 2.59 ± 1.61 (0-7; 2) (p <0.05).
Conclusions: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a pathology caused by many etiologic factors and may lead to different findings. It is important to analyze the patient's current complaints and clinical findings in order to ensure appropriate treatment. Accurate analysis and appropriate treatment modality resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity in patients.
Keywords : Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, pain measurement, myofascial pain