Tenderness on palpation and occlusal abnormalities in temporomandibular dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pain Management

Background:

• Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is characterized by pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles.
• Tenderness on palpation is a key objective indicator of pain in TMD patients.
• The relationship between occlusal factors and muscle tenderness in TMD requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of temporomandibular joint and muscle tenderness in patients with TMD.
• To determine the association between occlusal status and the observed tenderness in TMD patients.
• To identify specific muscles most frequently affected by tenderness.

Main Methods:

• Examination of 210 patients diagnosed with temporomandibular dysfunction.
• Palpation to assess tenderness in the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles.
• Evaluation of the relationship between tenderness and occlusal factors.

Main Results:

• 96% of patients exhibited tenderness, with 80% of these cases linked to occlusal issues.
• The lateral pterygoid muscle and temporalis muscle insertion were the most frequent sites of tenderness.
• No correlation was found between temporomandibular joint tenderness and muscle tenderness, though muscle-to-muscle tenderness was correlated.

Conclusions:

• Muscle tenderness is highly prevalent in TMD and significantly associated with occlusal factors.
• Specific masticatory muscles, like the lateral pterygoid, are commonly affected.
• Occlusal state influences the distribution and laterality of muscle tenderness in TMD.