Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in musicians: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in musicians. Electronic database searches and a manual search were performed. Qualitative and quantitative analysis including risk of bias was performed for studies that met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of proportions with a random effects model was performed, and heterogeneity was explored according to the moderating variable through subgroup analysis and metaregression. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. A total of 13 articles were included for the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence estimate was 52.8% (CI 95%; 33.4%-71.7%) for wind instruments, 53.9% (CI 95%; 42.4%-65.2%) for string instruments and 53.9% (CI 95%; 23.5%-82.7%) for string and wind instruments. The average time of use of the musical instrument explained 82.38%, the heterogeneity between the sizes of the effects observed in the analysis (R2 =82.38%; P<.0001). For prevalence of TMD, the GRADE criteria were considered very low. The overall combined prevalence of TMD in musicians was approximately 53.9%, and musicians who use their instruments daily and for a long period of time may have a higher prevalence of TMD. Due to the high prevalence of TMD in musicians, health professionals must be careful not to underestimate signs and symptoms and correctly diagnose these cases.