Ultrasonographic features of the masseter muscle in female patients with temporomandibular disorder associated with myofascial pain

Objective. The purpose of the present study was to examine ultrasonographic appearances in female patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) associated with myofascial pain in comparison with healthy volunteers. Study design. The thickness of the masseter muscle in 25 female patients with TMD was measured at rest and at maximum contraction using ultrasonography. The visibility and width of the internal echogenic bands of the masseter muscle were also assessed and the muscle appearance was classified as 1 of 3 types: type I, characterized by the clear visibility of the fine bands; type II, thickening and weakened echo-intensity of the bands; type III, disappearance or reduction in number of the bands. Results. There were significant differences in the thickness at rest and the increase ratio by contraction between the patient and control groups. The distribution of muscle types showed a significant difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion. The ultrasonographic features of the masseter muscle in TMD patients with myofascial pain were clarified and they might be related to muscle edema.