ETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF MUSCLE-ARTICULAR DYSFUNCTION OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT IN ADOLESCENCE

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Dental Surgery
• Pediatric Health
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Etiology and pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome in children and adolescents remain debated.
• Potential causes include abnormal occlusion, pubertal developmental changes, and psychomotor processes.
• Early diagnosis and improved treatment methods are needed for TMJ dysfunction in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental factors of TMJ dysfunction in adolescents.
• To improve the complex treatment methods for adolescent TMJ dysfunction.
• To identify early diagnostic indicators for TMJ syndrome in young patients.

Main Methods:

• Clinical and radiological examination of 33 adolescent patients (ages 11-18) diagnosed with TMJ syndrome.
• Patient and parental interviews to gather medical history, disease history, and complaints.
• Assessment of predisposing factors such as bad habits, family history, trauma, and orthodontic treatment errors.

Main Results:

• 48.5% of patients had predisposing factors; 38% reported bad habits, and 39.4% experienced emotional stress.
• Orthodontic pathology was present in 78.8% of patients.
• Clicking in the joint (81.8%) and excessive articular head excursion (51.5%) were the most common symptoms; pain symptoms were less frequent than in adults.

Conclusions:

• Etiological factors for TMJ dysfunction in adolescents include dental anomalies, bad habits, musculoskeletal disproportion, and stress-induced hypokinetic states.
• Comprehensive treatment should address dental issues, musculoskeletal development, bad habits, and chronic stress.
• Integrated management strategies are essential for effectively treating adolescent TMJ dysfunction.