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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
12:20
Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device OPAD to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior
Published on: June 10, 2013
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Does Pain Localization in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders Discriminate Between Myogenous and Arthrogenous
Sandro Prati1, Stefano Pagano2, Chiara Valenti3
1Adjunct Professor, postgraduate School of Orthodontics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Summary
Distinguishing temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) is crucial. Unilateral pain indicated by finger points suggests arthrogenous TMD, while bilateral pain may indicate myogenous TMD.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pain Management
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are prevalent but differentiating between myogenous and arthrogenous pain is difficult.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of TMDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between patient-reported pain characteristics and TMD diagnosis.
- To determine if pain location, laterality, and indication method can distinguish myogenous from arthrogenous TMD.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cross-sectional study of 600 patients with painful TMD.
- Analysis included pain location (e.g., masseteric, temporal), laterality (unilateral/bilateral), and indication method (finger/hand).
- Statistical analyses used logistic regression and chi-squared tests.
Main Results:
- Arthrogenous TMD was associated with preauricular/intra-auricular pain and unilateral pain (P < .001).
- Myogenous TMD showed significant association with masseteric/temporal pain (P < .001) and bilateral pain (P < .001).
- Finger indication was more common in arthrogenous TMD patients (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Patient-reported pain characteristics, specifically unilateral pain with finger indication, are significantly associated with arthrogenous TMD.
- These findings aid in distinguishing between myogenous and arthrogenous TMD, improving diagnostic accuracy.
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