Temporomandibular joint vibrations from totally asymptomatic subjects

Objective:

Precisely characterize the TMJ vibrations of a youthful, adult and completely asymptomatic population.

Methods:TMJ vibrations were recorded from 237 asymptomatic subjects (163 f, 74 m) at Dayananda Sagar Institute in India. The subjects were selected, examined and informed (WMA Helsinki Declaration). TMJ vibrations were recorded bilaterally during maximal open - close. 6 parameters of the vibrations were analyzed between the left and right sides, between genders and with respect to age.

Results:Mean vibration intensity was greater for females (p < 0.01) than males. A portion of the frequency spectrum < 300 Hz was also more intense for females (p < 0.022). Females 18 - 20 years old exhibited higher Peak Amplitude than 27 - 30 year olds (p < 0.025) and lower Median Frequency (p < 0.005).

Conclusions:A significant difference in TMJ vibrations was present between males and females, increased with age in females but not in males.

Keywords:

• Joint vibration analysis
• Total integral
• Peak amplitude
• Median frequency
• Frequency distribution