Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate masticatory muscle electrical activity in patients with pain-related and pain-free temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) as well as in subjects with no TMD. Methods Ninety children with mixed dentition were recruited to the study. Of this total, 30 subjects were diagnosed with pain-related TMD (TMD-P), 30 with pain-free TMD (TMD-PF), and 30 without TMD. We used Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) to assess the presence of TMD in the examined children. The electromyographical (EMG) potentials of the temporalis and masseter muscles were measured with a DAB-Bluetooth Instrument (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) at rest and during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC). Results An analysis of the EMG recordings showed statistically significant intergroup differences in masticatory muscle electrical activity at rest and during MVC. Significantly higher rest temporalis muscle activity was noted in pain-related TMD subjects compared with that children from the pain-free TMD and non-TMD groups, as well as in TMD-PF children in relation to those without TMD. The EMG potentials of the temporalis muscle during MVC were much lower in patients with TMD-P than in pain-free TMD and non-TMD subjects. Masseter muscle activity at rest in the TMD-pain group was significantly greater, and masseter muscle EMG potentials during clenching were markedly lower than in patients with no TMD diagnosis. Conclusion The use of electromyography to assess masticatory muscle function revealed alterations in the pattern of temporalis and masseter muscle activity in patients with pain-related TMD compared with the pain-free subjects.
Highlights
IntroductionTemporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are associated with a number of clinical conditions that affect the stomatognathic system, in particular the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as well as associated structures [1,2,3]. e principal signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are muscle and joint tenderness or pain, joint noises, and disturbances in mandibular movements. e pain associated with TMD is persistent, recurring, or chronic in nature and concerns the TMJ and masticatory muscles but may radiate to adjacent structures such as the teeth, ears, the neck, temples, forehead, and back muscles [2,3,4].Factors that may play an important role in TMD multifactorial aetiology include traumas, local conditions such as occlusal interferences as well as systemic, iatrogenic, and psychological aspects [5,6,7].Temporomandibular disorders are the main nondental cause of orofacial pain in children and adolescents [8]. e prevalence of TMD-signs and symptoms is rare in early childhood but becomes more in adolescence and adulthood
Conclusion. e use of electromyography to assess masticatory muscle function revealed alterations in the pattern of temporalis and masseter muscle activity in patients with pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) compared with the pain-free subjects
No differences were noted between the two repeated EMG recordings when it came to masticatory muscle activity at rest and during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC) (P > 0.05)
Summary
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are associated with a number of clinical conditions that affect the stomatognathic system, in particular the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as well as associated structures [1,2,3]. e principal signs and symptoms of TMDs are muscle and joint tenderness or pain, joint noises, and disturbances in mandibular movements. e pain associated with TMD is persistent, recurring, or chronic in nature and concerns the TMJ and masticatory muscles but may radiate to adjacent structures such as the teeth, ears, the neck, temples, forehead, and back muscles [2,3,4].Factors that may play an important role in TMD multifactorial aetiology include traumas, local conditions such as occlusal interferences as well as systemic, iatrogenic, and psychological aspects [5,6,7].Temporomandibular disorders are the main nondental cause of orofacial pain in children and adolescents [8]. e prevalence of TMD-signs and symptoms is rare in early childhood but becomes more in adolescence and adulthood. Numerous studies have shown that patients with TMD exhibit alterations in masticatory muscle EMG activity either as a result of the disorder itself or due to a compensatory mechanism associated with the symptoms [20, 29,30,31,32]. It has been demonstrated that individuals with pain-related TMD may alter the recruitment of their masticatory muscles as a result of sensorial-motor interactions, the pain associated with which it can modify the formation of action potentials and, possibly, myoelectric activity [33, 34]. It is important to determine the masticatory muscle electrical activity in patients with TMD, including pain-related TMD and pain-free TMD subjects
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