Major maxillomandibular malrelations and temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Background:

• Maxillomandibular disharmonies are common skeletal discrepancies.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain-dysfunction symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.
• The relationship between maxillomandibular disharmonies and TMJ pain-dysfunction requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence of TMJ pain-dysfunction in patients with maxillomandibular disharmonies before and after orthognathic surgery.
• To explore the potential role of maxillomandibular disharmonies as an etiologic factor in TMJ pain-dysfunction.
• To evaluate the effect of surgical correction on pre-existing TMJ pain-dysfunction symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective questionnaire survey.
• Inclusion of 102 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for maxillomandibular disharmonies.
• Assessment of TMJ pain-dysfunction incidence in pretreatment and posttreatment phases.

Main Results:

• The incidence of TMJ pain-dysfunction symptoms in this patient cohort was higher than in general population studies.
• Maxillomandibular disharmonies appear to be a significant factor in the development of TMJ pain-dysfunction.
• Surgical correction improved or alleviated TMJ pain-dysfunction in a notable percentage of patients.
• A possibility exists for the development of new TMJ pain-dysfunction symptoms following orthognathic surgery.

Conclusions:

• Maxillomandibular disharmonies are strongly associated with TMJ pain-dysfunction.
• Orthognathic surgery can be an effective treatment for TMJ pain-dysfunction in patients with maxillomandibular disharmonies.
• Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery should be monitored for potential development of TMJ pain-dysfunction symptoms.