Pattern of temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome in a Nigerian population

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome (TMJPDS) is the commonest disorder of the joint. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence, the clinical profile and the response to medical treatment by patients suffering from TMJPDS in a Nigerian population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical records of all patients seen in Oral Medicine Clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. The age, gender, trigger factors, sites, medications and follow up visits of the patients selected were analyzed. Results: There were 24 (8.4%) cases of TMJPDS among the 287 patients seen during the period under review. There was no gender predilection; the mean age was 43 + 1.7 years and the peak age group was the 5 th decade of life ( n = 6, 25.0%). Left sided TMJPDS was the most frequent presentation ( n = 13, 54.2%) and chewing was the commonest trigger factor ( n = 10, 41.6%). Most patient were placed on diazepam ( n = 18, 75.0%) combined with paracetamol ( n = 7, 29.2%) or norgesic ( n = 5, 20.8%) or cataflam ( n = 3, 12.5%) or Ibuprofen ( n = 1, 4.2%). Early response to medical treatment was observed within 3 weeks ( n = 14, 58.3%), especially among the patients suffering from left sided TMJPDS ( n = 10, 41.7%) ( P = 0.005). Conclusion: This study showed a low prevalence of TMJPDS and a predilection of TMJPDS for the left side among adult patients. Preliminary findings suggest that diazepam combined with analgesic were effective medical treatment for TMJPDS.