Assessment of the Temporomandibular Joint Function in Young Adults without Complaints from the Masticatory System.

Objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical status of the masticatory system in young adults with full permanent dentition and no stomatognathic system complaints. The study involved 186 randomly selected people with full dental arches with normal occlusal conditions corresponding to Angle's Class I aged 18 - 21 years with an average age of 19 years. Subjects were clinically examined and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) vibrations were recorded during open-wide and close movements using BioJVA. Then, patients were categorized into groups according to Piper's classification system. The TMJs of the subjects were categorized according to the values of the vibration energy and the Piper protocol. This detected 33.4% of the joints with loosened ligaments, subluxation in 8.28%, initial signs of disc dysfunction in 5.08% and disc displacement without locking in 1.6 %. Median frequency differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the group of subjects with initial signs of TMJ dysfunction and other groups. Peak Frequency differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the healthy joints and those with TMJ subluxation. In this group of young healthy people, the majority of study joints generated small vibrations. However, a subset of people manifested higher vibrations that may indicate an early stage of TMJ dysfunction. Median Frequency was an important parameter for detecting initial symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Peak Frequency was an important characteristic parameter for detecting TMJ subluxation.

Can devices for the instrumental analysis of temporomandibular joints be used interchangeably?

Objective: To compare the results obtained in instrumental analysis of temporomandibular joints function using joint vibration analysis and computerized axiography in healthy young adults.Methods: The study involved 187 people aged 18-21 years old. All the participants were subjected to a clinical examination and instrumental diagnostics that included joint vibration analysis and computerized axiography.Results: Significant differences in the maximum range of condylar movement (p = 0.0001) were reported between the group of people with healthy joints (p = 0.001) and the remaining groups. There were significant statistical differences (p = 0.02) between the group of people with loose articular ligaments and subluxation of the joint in terms of the parameter describing the symmetry of the sagittal position of the condyle on the distance of 5 mm.Discussion: Electrovibratography and computerized axiography did not reveal the same abnormalities in the functioning of the masticatory system.