Congenital cranio-facial abnormalities in paediatric population: a systematic review on temporomandibular disorders

The aim of this systematic review was to explore the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients affected by congenital craniofacial disorders (CCD). Out of 292 papers, 9 studies were included with 561 participants. The included studies analyzed at least 15 patients treated for temporomandibular disorders, evaluating at least one clinical outcomes such as orofacial pain and/or muscular diseases, malocclusion, skeletal abnormality and/or deformities concerning temporomandibular joint, upper/lower jaw bone malformations. These findings provide an evidence of an association between temporomandibular disorders and congenital craniofacial disorders. The evidence is supported by the findings of a small number of papers in the literature, some of which were of just fair quality. To be definitive in this regard, additional research with a sizable sample size and control group are required.