[Epidemiology of intra and extracapsular masticatory dysfunction in the period of growth]

A clinical and epidemiological investigation was performed on 3 sample groups of adolescents with rheumatoid arthritis, vertebral scoliosis and recurring headaches in order to analyse the connections between their pathology and the signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction. The anamnestic and objective data were reviewed with the aid of the Helkimo indices and compared to data on a non-selected control group of comparable age. The most statistically significant signs encountered were point on impaired mandibular mobility and tenderness of the masticatory muscles. The high incidence of parafunctions indicated the behavioural substrate. This study underlines the need for early diagnosis, preventive identification of subjects at risk and interdisciplinary cooperation.