Background factors in craniomandibular disorders with special reference to general joint hypermobility, parafunction,...

Seventy-four female patients referred to a CMD clinic were randomly selected for an examination of general joint mobility according to Beighton. Thirty of the patients (41%) were classified as hypermobile. Eighty-three percent of the patients with generally lax joints had TMJ involvement in comparison to 41% of the patients with no joint laxity. The difference between these groups was statistically significant (P less than 0.001). Parafunctions and trauma were associated with increased symptoms and signs in individuals with lax joints. In nonlax joint patients, trauma to the head and jaw was significantly correlated to TMJ disorders. The results indicate that general joint hypermobility should be taken into consideration in the diagnosis and treatment of CMD.