Mandibular asymmetry as a possible etiopathologic factor in temporomandibular disorder: a prospective cohort of 134 patients

Objectives The present study aimed to investigate mandibular asymmetry as a possible etiopathologic factor in temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Materials and methods A prospective cross-sectional study of patients with dentofacial deformities seeking corrective orthognathic surgery was conducted. The pre-operative prevalence of TMD in patients with mandibular asymmetry and other dentofacial deformities was assessed using the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) Axis I protocol. Results A total of 134 patients were recruited - 82 with mandibular asymmetry and 52 without. There was a significantly higher prevalence of TMD in those with mandibular asymmetry (67.1%; 95% CI 59 to 75%) compared to those without (40.4%; 95% CI 32 to 49%, p = 0.002). The overall pre-operative prevalence of TMD in this population of patients was 56.7% (95% CI 48 to 65%). Pain disorder only was present in 9.7%, TMJ disorder only in 29.9%, and both pain and TMJ disorders in 17.2%. The most prevalent type of TMD is disc displacement with reduction (77.6%), followed by myalgia (35.5%) and arthralgia (21.1%). Conclusion The prevalence of TMD in those with mandibular asymmetry was significantly higher than those without, suggesting that mandibular asymmetry could be a possible etiopathologic factor in TMD.

Automated summary

The study found a significantly higher prevalence of TMD in patients with mandibular asymmetry compared to those without, suggesting that mandibular asymmetry could be a possible etiopathologic factor in TMD. Pain disorder and TMJ disorder accounted for 9.7% and 29.9% respectively, with both occurring in 17.2% of cases.