Limited mandibular mobility and potential jaw dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Research
• Biomechanics of the Jaw

Background:

• Mandibular dysfunction encompasses a range of issues affecting jaw function.
• Understanding the relationship between specific jaw movements and dysfunction symptoms is crucial for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between mandibular dysfunction signs/symptoms and limitations in maximum active depression (mouth opening) and lateral excursion (side-to-side movement) in young adult males.

Main Methods:

• Assessed maximum active depression and maximum active lateral excursion of the mandible.
• Correlated these measurements with reported signs and symptoms of potential mandibular dysfunction.
• Evaluated associations with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) specific signs and symptoms.

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between mouth opening capacity and clinical indicators of mandibular dysfunction.
• Limitations in maximum active lateral excursion of the mandible were significantly associated with signs and symptoms of potential mandibular dysfunction.
• These limitations were not associated with signs and symptoms specifically originating from the temporomandibular joints.

Conclusions:

• Maximum active lateral excursion, rather than mouth opening, appears to be a more relevant clinical measure for identifying potential mandibular dysfunction in young adult males.
• Findings suggest that evaluating side-to-side jaw movement limitations can aid in the assessment of the mandibular locomotor system's status.