Widespread bodily pain is not associated with the presence of painful TMJ osteoarthritis: a case control study

Hanzara Panol,Daniela Vivaldi,Massimiliano Di Giosia,Pei Feng Lim

doi:10.1051/mbcb/2021012

Abstract

Purpose: Temporomandibular Joint Arthralgia (TMJA) in the absence of osteoarthritis has not been thoroughly studied. We aimed to investigate the presence of comorbid bodily pain conditions (CBPC) in patients with TMJA with and without TMJOA and hypothesized that TMJOA is not associated with a higher presence of CBPC. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving patients at the University of North Carolina Orofacial Pain Clinic between 2010 and 2014 with TMJA according to the RDC/TMD criteria [1]. Cases fulfilled the Ahmad classification for TMJOA [2], and had TMJA (TMJA+OA), while controls had TMJA only (TMJA-OA). Data was collected from reports of Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT). CBPC were self-reported. Results: Twenty-eight cases (TMJA+OA) and 25 controls (TMJA-OA) were included. The mean age of cases and controls (P = 0.027) and mean pain duration differed (P = 0.031). However, the gender distribution (P = 0.552), mean pain intensity (P = 0.381), mean number of painful muscles upon palpation (P = 0.759) and mean number of CBPC (P = 0.575) were not different. At least one CBPC was reported by 68% cases and 72% control subjects (P = 0.743). Conclusions: In this group of patients with TMJA, the presence of CBPC was high and not associated with the presence of TMJOA. This finding suggests that CBPC and TMJOA occur independently.

Highlights

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass a group of conditions involving the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ), the masticatory musculature, and associated structures [3]
TMJ arthralgia (TMJA) is defined as pain of joint origin that is affected by jaw movement, function, and/or parafunction, and replication of this pain occurs with provocation testing of the TMJ [3]
Based on the Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) studies and clinical examination, we identified cases (TMJA+OA) and controls (TMJA-OA)

Summary

Introduction

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass a group of conditions involving the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ), the masticatory musculature, and associated structures [3]. 60–70% of the general population reported one symptom of TMD, with 25% of individuals seeking treatment for their symptoms [4]. The incidence rate of TMD is reportedly 4% per annum [5]. The etiopathophysiology of TMD is multifactorial and includes genetic risk determinants, psychosocial factors, pain amplification states, and environmental contributing factors [7]. TMJ arthralgia (TMJA) is defined as pain of joint origin that is affected by jaw movement, function, and/or parafunction, and replication of this pain occurs with provocation testing of the TMJ [3].

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Methods

Results