Abstract

Previous studies of the relationship of TMJ signs and symptoms in elderly people have provided inconsistent findings. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders(TMD). Additionally, young subjects were examined as a control group. Forty old patients (28 female, 12 male, mean age: 65.2±2.5 years) and forty young patients (30 female, 10 male, mean age: 23.3±2.6 years) clinically diagnosed with TMD were screened. Patient records were analyzed regarding: pain on chief complain, amount of range of mouth opening, TMJ noises(clicking sounds, crepitus), pain on palpation of the TMJ and masticatory muscles and neck and upper back muscles. Differences between the groups were assessed using t-test and the chi-squared test. (SPSS v.17) P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Geriatric subjects more often exhibited crepitus on mouth opening (25%), muscular palpation pain of masseter muscles (82.5%) and temporal muscles(60%). In contrast, young subjects more frequently exhibited joint sounds (62.5%), more amount of range of passive mouth opening (p=0.043). It was found that the younger subjects (82.5%) and the older subjects (87.5%) suffered from subjective sign (orofacial pain on chief complain). There were not statistically significant relationships between orofacial pain (VAS) and the groups. Differences between the groups with respect to joint sounds, muscular palpation pain and mandibular range of motion were significant. Although older subjects more frequently exhibited objective signs (crepitus on opening, pain on muscular palpation) of TMD, younger subjects more frequently objective signs (clicking sound on mouth opening, amount of mandibular range of motion).

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