[Predictive factors for treatment outcome of temporomandibular disorder patients. A retrospective study]

Not all temporomandibular disorder patients respond positively to the treatment given. The aim of this retrospective investigation was to study the possible associations between some clinical and psychological factors, recorded at the patient's first visit, and treatment outcome. Data of 102 patients referred to the department's clinic was collected. In 51 patients the treatment was unsuccessful (no or only partial relief of pain), in 51 patients, matched for age and gender, the treatment was successful (complete relief of pain complaints). Logistic regression modeling (p = 0.008, explained variance = 15%; sensitivity = 59%; specificity = 57%) showed that an unsuccessful treatment was associated with more preceding treatments and more jaw-disability, a successful treatment with higher scores on the graded chronic pain severity scale. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that some predictive factors may be helpful in identifying patients who are at risk of being resistant to the usual treatment given.