European Journal of Anatomy

Official Journal of The Spanish Society of Anatomy
Cover Volume 10 - Number 1
Eur J Anat, 10 (1): 31-36 (2006)

Evaluation of mandibular dynamics and bite force in myofascial pain follow-up

De Quadros Uzda S., Garcia Alonso L., Sergio Guimaraes A., Luiz Smith R.

Disciplina de Anatomia Descritiva e Topográfica, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto da Cabeça, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil; Disciplina de Anatomia Descritiva e Topográfica, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua Botucatu, 740, São Paulo - SP - 04023-900, Brazil

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess clinically and through electronic axiography the changes in mandibular dynamics in the symptomatic and asymptomatic phases occurring in patients with a diagnosis of myofascial pain. From October 2003 through December 2004, a sample of 10 cases (all female aged, 20-50 years old) clinically diagnosed of myofascial pain were followed up to identify changes in mandibular movements. The patients were interviewed, and anamnesis and a clinical examination were performed. Patients with a diagnosis of myofascial pain were recorded with an electronic axiograph (Kavo, model Arcus digmaâ?¢) and their bite force was measured (Kratosâ?¢ digital dynamometer). The patients were then instructed about treatment and follow-up was carried out. After the remission of symptoms, a new axiography and determination of bite force was performed. Axiograph analysis showed significant changes in the mandibular dynamic pattern between the symptomatic and asymptomatic phases and a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in bite force in 100% of the patients after pain remission was verified. The changes in mandibular dynamics were: an increase in maximum jaw opening without pain in 100% of the sample and a decreased mandibular deviation in opening and closing jaw movements in 70% of the patients. The present study suggests that axiographic study of mandibular movements and the determination of bite force can contribute to a better understanding of temporomandibular disorders, and an improvement in diagnostic criteria and the follow-up of therapeutic procedures.

Keywords: adult, anamnesis, article, clinical article, clinical assessment, clinical examination, controlled study, dynamometry, female, follow up, human, interview, jaw movement, jaw opening reflex, mandible, mastication, myofascial pain, remission, temporomandibular joint

European Journal of anatomy
ISSN 2340-311X (Online)