Relationship Between Systemic Joint Laxity, TMJ Hypertranslation, and Intra-articular Disorders

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between general joint hypermobility, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypertranslation and signs and symptoms of TMJ intra-articular disorders. One hundred twenty individuals constituted the sample, divided into two groups: Group I (symptomatic) included 60 patients with complaints of joint noises, pain, or jaw locking, and Group II (nonsymptomatic) included 60 people with no TMD complaints. The Beighton's hypermobility score addressed the systemic laxity while lateral x-rays taken in both closed and full open mouth positions measured TMJ mobility (condyle hypertranslation). No association was found between intra-articular disorders and systemic hypermobility (p>0.05). A significant negative correlation (p<0.05) was found between age and systemic hypermobility, while no correlation was detected between systemic and TMJ hypermobility (condyle hypertranslation).

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Notes on contributors

Paulo César R. Conti

Dr. Paulo César Rodrigues Conti received his degree in dentistry in 1986 from the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil and received his Masters and a Ph.D. in Oral Rehabilitation from the same university from 1989–1993. From 1994 to 1995, Dr. Conti held a Fellowship in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain in the TMJ/Facial Pain Center at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark. Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

João Evandro S. Miranda

Dr. João Evandro S. Miranda is a graduate student at the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil. He is a Professor at the Federal University of Pará, Brazil.

Carlos Reis P. Araujo

Dr. Carlos dos Reis P. De Araujo received his degree in dentistry in 1979 at the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil. He completed a Masters and then Ph.D. program at the same university in 1987. Dr. De Araujo did his residency at the University of Rochester. Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil.