Multidimensional evaluation of craniomandibular dysfunction. I: Symptoms and correlates.

Abstract

To standardize clinical history taking, a comprehensive anamnestic questionnaire was developed (Screen). Screen includes questions about (i) pain, (ii) other symptoms of CMD, (iii) correlates of CMD, (iv) psychosocial factors, and (v) general health. Variables discriminating between subgroups of clinical cases and controls were described successively. This study was performed to assess whether subgroups of patients with signs and symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD), and a control group of dental patients with and without signs and symptoms of CMD, can be characterized by differential report of signs and symptoms of CMD, as reported in Screen. Results indicate that Screen can be used to discriminate between (i) subgroups of subjects with signs or symptoms of CMD (both clinical cases and controls) and controls without signs or symptoms of CMD; (ii) subgroups of clinical cases and controls with signs and/or symptoms of CMD; and (iii) patients with CMD with mainly a myogenous component and patients with CMD with mainly an arthrogenous component. Differences between patients and controls are interpreted with regard to the correct classification of patients with CMD with mainly a myogenous component and patients with CMD with mainly an arthrogenous component, and with regard to the subjective treatment need for CMD. The results of logistic regression analyses indicate that subsets of items of Screen correctly classified up to 80% of patients with myogenous or arthrogenous CMD. Implications for further research were discussed.