Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index Research Articles

Efficacy of scapulothoracic exercises on proprioception and postural stability in cranio-cervico-mandibular malalignment: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Cranio-cervico-mandibular (CCM) malalignment is associated with forward head posture (FHP) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and affects masticatory muscles. This randomized, double-blind controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of scapula-thoracic (ST) exercises on temporomandibular and cervical joint position sense and postural stability in individuals with CCM malalignment. Fourty-nine participants with CCM malalignment were randomly assigned to the ST exercise group (STEG, n= 24) or the control group (CG, n= 25). STEG included progressive strengthening, proprioceptive, and stabilization exercises. All participants were assessed before treatment, at the end of the 8th week treatment period and at the 12th week post-treatment follow-up. Cranio-vertebral angle measurement, Fonseca's Questionnaire, Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index, TMJ position test, cervical joint position error test and postural stability assessment were used. The TMJ and cervical joint position sense, total sway degree, area gap percentage, sway velocity and antero-posterior body sway results showed significant improvement in the STEG compared to the CG (p< 0.05), however medio-lateral body sway did not differ between groups (p> 0.05). Postural stability, TMJ and cervical joint position sense appear to be affected in individuals with CCM malalignment. Our results showed that an exercise program including ST stabilization, proprioception and strengthening of the scapular muscles may be effective in the management of CCM malalignment and will allow clinicians to plan holistic treatment.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of concentrated growth factor combined with sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of concentrated growth factor (CGF) combined with sodium hyaluronate (SH) on temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA).MethodsSixty patients with TMJOA who were diagnosed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) between March 2020 and March 2023 at the Stomatological Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University were randomly divided into a control group (n = 30) and an experimental group (n = 30). The patients in the experimental group were treated with CGF + SH, and those in the control group were treated with SH only. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score indicating pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area; the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index (Di); and changes in condylar CBCT at the first visit and 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were recorded. The CBCT data of the patients in the experimental and control groups were collected, and the three-dimensional CBCT image sequences were imported into Mimics Medical 19.0 software in DICOM format for condylar reconstruction.ResultsThe VAS scores at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the pain in the experimental group was significantly relieved. The Di was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the clinical function of the TMJ improved. After treatment, the CBCT score was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the condylar bone cortex was obviously repaired. Observation of the condylar bone cortex by three-dimensional reconstruction showed the same results as those obtained by CBCT.ConclusionCGF combined with SH is effective in the treatment of TMJOA and can improve muscle pain, TMJ pain, Impaired TMJ function, Impaired range of movement, Pain on movement of the mandible and promote bone repair.The registration number (TRN)ChiCTR2400082712.The date of registrationApril 5, 2024.

Effect of pain on cranio-cervico-mandibular function and postural stability in people with temporomandibular joint disorders.

Neck and jaw pain is common and is associated with jaw functional limitations, postural stability, muscular endurance, and proprioception. This study aimed to investigate the effect of jaw and neck pain on craniocervico- mandibular functions and postural stability in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs). Fifty-two patients with TMJDs were included and assessed using Fonseca's Questionnaire and the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index. An isometric strength test was performed for the TMJ depressor and cervical muscles. The TMJ position sense (TMJPS) test and cervical joint position error test (CJPET) were employed for proprioception. Total sway degree was obtained for the assessment of postural stability. Deep neck flexor endurance (DNFE) was assessed using the craniocervical flexion test. The mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ) was employed to assess mandibular function, and the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured for forward head posture. Jaw and neck pain negatively affected CVA (R2 = 0.130), TMJPS (R2 = 0.286), DNFE (R2 = 0.355), TMJ depressor (R2 = 0.145), cervical flexor (R2 = 0.144), and extensor (R2 = 0.148) muscle strength. Jaw and neck pain also positively affected CJPET for flexion (R2 = 0.116) and extension (R2 = 0.146), as well as total sway degree (R2 = 0.128) and MFIQ (R2 = 0.230). Patients with painful TMJDs, could have impaired muscle strength and proprioception of the TMJ and cervical region. The jaw and neck pain could also affect postural stability, and the endurance of deep neck flexors as well as mandibular functions in TMJDs.

A review of the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery accounts for a significant number of patient episodes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and treatment effectiveness is commonly assessed using measures of pain and mouth opening. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) enable assessment of the patient's perspective and perception of the diseases and treatment outcomes. The purpose of this review was to assess the use of PROMs in TMJ surgery. A review of 3 databases (PubMed, OVID, Trip) was carried out to assess the use of PROMs when reporting on TMJ surgical interventions. Studies were limited to the English language, involving humans and at least one surgical intervention of the TMJ. A total of 214 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of which only 28 used 18 PROMs among them. Half of these PROMs were single-question visual analogue scales or Likert scales on quality of life and disability. The Oral Health Impact Profile and the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index were the second most used (n = 3). PROMs were used most in studies on internal derangement (n = 9) and in cohort study designs (n = 26), but this was not statistically significant. In the majority of research on TMJ surgery, no PROMs are used, and when one is, there is a tendency to use weaker single-question PROMs as opposed to multi-question PROMs to assess outcomes. With the increasing importance of PROMs for assessing patients' perception of treatment outcomes, further research is needed to establish valid and reproducible PROMs for TMJ surgery.

Correlation of horizontal condylar angle measured with CBCT and clinical dysfunction index in patients with temporomandibular disorders

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to find a correlation between the severity of TMD based on the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index and the mean horizontal condylar angle (HCA) in CBCT images.Materials and methodsHCAs of 84 patients with TMD were measured in CBCT cross‐sections. The TMD patients were clinically evaluated and then subdivided into three groups using Helkimo clinical Di and. Means of HCA and differences between right and left HCA were compared with a matched control group and among TMD patients with different TMD severity.ResultsThe difference between right and left HCA and HCA mean were significantly greater in TMD patients than in the control group. The mean of HCA was also significantly different among TMD patients with different Di.ConclusionIt was revealed significant differences between TMD and non‐TMD condyles. There was also a significant relationship between the Helkimo clinical Di and the greater HCA.

Oral Health–Related Quality of Life among Dental Implant Patients in Relation to Temporomandibular Joint Function

Background: The placement of dental implants may enhance the oral health–related quality of life, which may influence temporomandibular joint function. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare dental implant patients with partially and fully dentate patients in terms of oral health–related quality of life related to temporomandibular joint function. Materials and Methods: Ninety dental implant patients aged 50–60 years were included in the study, with 90 patients from other two groups who were matched in age and gender. For evaluation of oral health–related quality of life, Arabic version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index was utilized. In order to define the occurrence and severity of temporomandibular joint disorders among patients, Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index was used. To analyze the data, SPSS 22 (Chicago, IL, USA) was employed. Results: Data revealed that the mean values of oral health–related quality of life and its three domains were higher among the fully dentate group than the other groups with a statistically significant difference. A similar picture was observed regarding the temporomandibular joint function. The mean values of oral health–related quality of life were decreasing significantly with increasing severity of temporomandibular disorders among the partially edentulous group. The same figure found concerning the three domains; however, the significant decreasing was found for physical domain only. Conclusion: After receiving oral implant therapy, the quality of life in relation to dental health had increased. The temporomandibular problems have an adverse effect on the dental health.

Efficacy of computer-guided versus conventional sodium hyaluronate injection in superior joint space in treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement: Comparative randomized controlled trial

Objectivesevaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of computer-guided sodium hyaluronate injection in superior joint space compared to conventional injection for the treatment of TMJ Internal Derangement (TMJ-ID). Patients and methodsRandomized controlled trial conducted on 40 patients diagnosed with bilateral TMJ-ID divided into two groups. Group A treated with four computer-guided sodium hyaluronate injections in superior TMJ space with one-week intervals. Group B received similar injections but with the conventional method. The intraoperative assessment included total procedural time and patient convenience during the injection. The postoperative evaluation included maximum unassisted mouth opening (MUMO), modified Helkimo's clinical dysfunction index, and pain intensity on a visual analog scale (VAS). ResultsGroup A showed better improvement in maximum mouth opening and pain intensity than group B after a week of the second, third and fourth injection. At the six months, group A continued to show better improvement regarding maximum mouth opening, while improvement in pain and TMJ dysfunction was similar in both groups. There were differences between both groups regarding procedural time and patient convenience across the study except the time of the first injection, which was similar in both groups ConclusionUsing the virtual planning and injection guide for intra-articular TMJ injection is considered promising to increase the accuracy and efficacy of injectable material securing faster results besides rendering the procedure easily reproducible and simpler to both clinicians and patients. However, the authors could not ensure the long-term superiority of the computer-guided injection technique over the conventional one in light of the results of this study.

Evaluating the efficacy of disc repositioning in the management of high condylar fracture — A prospective clinical trial

AimThe aim of the study was to assess the role of disc repositioning in treating high condylar fractures. Materials and methodsPatients who reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery with high condylar fractures were recruited for this study, and randomized into two groups. The study group underwent ‘disc repositioning during ORIF’, while ‘ORIF without disc repositioning’ was performed for the control group.Patients were assessed for pain, mouth opening, clicking, and mandibular deviation (Helkimo clinical dysfunction Index), preoperatively and postoperatively (immediate and at 3 months). The position of the disc was assessed by MRI preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Results24 patients were included in the study, and divided equally into test (N = 12) and control (N = 12) groups. Descriptive statistics were used to find the means and standard deviations of the parameters, and inferential statistics to assess p-values, using an independent-sample t-test. At 3 months after surgery, 10 patients in the test group demonstrated absence of pain (mean 0.1 ± 0.3), while only one patient was pain free in the control group (mean 5.2 ± 2.3). There was a significant improvement in mouth opening in the study group (mean 37.4 ± 3.4) in comparison with the control group (mean 22.5 ± 9.5). The study group demonstrated favourable surgical outcomes for all parameters (p < 0.0001), aside from clicking. ConclusionWithin the limitations of the study, disc repositioning in high condylar fractures appeared to demonstrate a positive effect on TMJ function, and hence should be considered in appropriate indications.

Prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a sample of medical students in Erbil city

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to find the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder by Helkimo anamnesis and clinical dysfunction index and to determine the degree of associations present between temporomandibular disorder and each of age, gender and anxiety.Methods: 230 students were randomly selected with the age group of 18-25 years, from all colleges of Hawler medical university, from March 2019 to June 2019. Data was collected through Helkimo anamnesis dysfunction index1, Helkimo clinical dysfunction index1and generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale2. The data were statistically analyzed by Descriptive statistics and chi square test.Results: The most encountered symptoms reported by the students were joint sounds (27.4%) and joint fatigue (27.4%). (50%) of the students had some grade of temporomandibular disorder according to Helkimo anamnesis questionnaire (subjective temporomandibular disorder symptoms) and (57.4%) had some grade of temporomandibular disorder According to Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (objective temporomandibular disorder symptoms). The associations between temporomandibular disorder and each of age (P-value= 0.900), Gender (P -value= 0.221), and anxiety (P-value= 0.288) were statistically not significant by using Helkimo anamnesis questionnaire. Significant association was found between temporomandibular disorder and each of gender (P-value &lt;0.001) and anxiety (P-value &lt;0.001) by using Helkimo clinical dysfunction index.Conclusion: In conclusion, the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder was high. The most common symptom reported by students were joint sounds and joint fatigue. According to Helkimo clinical dysfunction index temporomandibular disorder was more prevalent among females and those who had a degree of anxiety.

Radiographic evaluation in three dimensions of condylar fractures with closed treatment in children and adolescents

The study aimed at investigating a new three-dimensional classification of healing morphology in condylar fractures in children and adolescents after closed treatment, and establish its association with fracture type and clinical outcomes.The medical records of children and adolescents with condylar fracture were reviewed, retrospectively. The clinical outcomes were assessed by mandibular deviation during mouth opening, Helkimo anamnestic index (Ai), and Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (Di). The condylar healing morphology was evaluated through three-dimensional CT images after 1–2 years of follow-up.In total, 96 patients with 142 condylar fracture sites were included in the study. Condylar healing morphology was classified into three main patterns: unchanged (21.13%), spherical (62.68%), and irregular (16.19% — including the three subtypes triangular, L-shaped, and Y-shaped). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the three main healing patterns among various fracture types (p = 0.0227). Irregular patterns occurred more frequently in adolescents than in children. In unilateral fractures, no obvious association was found between condylar healing morphology and clinical outcomes, including mandibular deviation during mouth opening (p = 0.162), Ai (p = 0.0991) and Di (p = 0.25). Most patients healing in different condylar patterns reached a good clinical outcome after 1–2 years.Although the healing morphology of condylar fractures in children and adolescents remained abnormal, good clinical outcome was achieved over the 2-year follow-up. Therefore, closed treatment remains a good approach.

Validity and Reliability of the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index for the Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders.

The Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index (HCDI) is a simple and quick test used to evaluate subjects affected by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and its psychometric properties have not been tested. The test evaluates movement, joint function, pain and musculature, providing a quick general overview that could be very useful at different levels of care. For this reason, the aim of this study was to validate the use of the HCDI in a sample of patients with TMD. Methods: The sample consisted of 107 subjects, 60 TMD patients and 47 healthy controls. The study evaluated concurrent validity, inter-rater concordance and predictive values. Results: The HCDI showed moderate to substantial inter-rater concordance among the items and excellent concordance for the total scores. The correlation with other TMD assessment tests was high, the correlation with dizziness was moderate and the correlation with neck pain, headache and overall quality of life was poor. The prediction of TMD showed a sensitivity of 86.67%, a specificity of 68.09% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.841. Conclusions: The HCDI is a valid and reliable assessment instrument; its clinimetric properties are adequate, and it has a good ability to discriminate between TMD-affected and TMD-unaffected subjects.

Evaluation of prolotherapy in comparison with occlusal splints in treating internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint – A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy with that of occlusal splints in treating internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Patients and methodsA total of 34 patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement classed as Wilkes stages II or III were recruited for the study, and were randomly divided into study and control groups with 17 patients each. The patients in these control and study groups were treated with splints and prolotherapy, respectively. Outcome parameters, such as pain, mouth opening, clicking and deviation, were assessed using the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index for a review period of 1 year. ResultsNine patients in the study group had complete absence of pain, compared with only one patient in the control group. The results showed that patients who received prolotherapy demonstrated improvement in pain (p < 0.001), mouth opening (p = 0.032), and clicking (p < 0.001), but no significant difference in deviation was observed between the groups after 1 year (p = 0.862). ConclusionProlotherapy was found to be superior in providing long-term clinical relief, with reduction in pain and clicking along with improved mouth opening.

Does TMJ Function and Imaging Tools Help Differentiate Between Condylar Resorption and Mandibular Hypoplasia?

Differentiating between bilateral condylar resorption (CR) and mandibular hypoplasia (MH) can be challenging owing to the difficulty in chronological observation and establishing standardized measurements. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function can distinguish between CR and MH and clarify the essential diagnostic imaging tools for CR. We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with mandibular retrognathia. The primary predictor variables were a clinical dysfunction score for the TMJ, mandibular plane angle (MPA), SNA angle, SNB angle, and cortical erosion score in the condylar heads. The demographic variables were age, anterior disc displacement, and previous orthodontic treatment. The anatomic variable was the condylar height (CH). The primary outcome variable was the disease status (CR or MH). The patients were divided into the CR group and MH group. The patients with CR were selected on the basis of a CH value of less than 22mm. TMJ function was assessed using the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index. The CH on panoramic radiographs was measured using the Kjellberg method. The MPA, SNA angle, and SNB angle were analyzed using cephalometric analysis. Cortical erosion in the condylar head was assessed using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 23 female participants were enrolled in the present study. The average clinical dysfunction score for the TMJ was 4.4 in the CR group and 0.4 in the MH group (P<.05). The average MPA was 41.2° in the CR group and 35.5° in the MH group (P<.05). The present investigation has shown that assessing TMJ function and analyzing MPA using a cephalometric radiograph can differentiate CR from MH.

Assessment of the impact of temporomandibular disorders on maximum bite force.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to functional disorders of the masticatory system, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles. The main objective of this study was to determine whether and to what extent temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the maximum bite force (MBF). The present study included subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder. The presence of TMD was assessed by means of the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index analysis. We measured the maximum bite pressure (MBP) and occlusal contact area (OCA) by means of a Fuji Prescale Pressure measurement film. Based on the MBP and OCA values obtained, MBF values were determined. The MBF values were significantly lower in patients with TMD compared to subjects without TMD (P Conclusion: TMDs have a significant impact on MBF and masticatory muscle action potential. More research is needed to determine the impact of reduced maximum bite force on the functional efficiency of the masticatory system.

OZONE THERAPY AS A TREATMENT MODALITY FOR TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION

Temporo-mandibular (TMJ) disorders are of multi-factorial etiology. Numerous attempts have been made to identify the causes however, a great controversy still exists. Emotional stress, malocclusion and bruxism of the teeth are thought to be important factors in TMJ disorders. The limitations of mouth opening, deviation of the mandible on opening, joint noises and pain are among the common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders. Concerning the treatment, different surgical and non- surgical techniques have been tied by several clinicians. In the recent years, ozone therapy is tried as a new treatment modality for many diseases particularly joint affection. So this study was carried out to assess the clinical outcome of ozone therapy in TMJ disorders. Twenty five patients (16 Females, 9 Males) complaining of TMJ disorders were selected for this study.Every affected joint received 2 ml of ozone gas in concentration of 10 ?g/ml by direct injection of the gas into the joint cavity. The injection was repeated two times per week for tree weeks.The clinical signs &amp; symptoms before and after treatment were assessed according to Helkimo's clinical dysfunction index. The results showed that, 84% of the patients became symptoms free or improved while; only 16% showed unchanged signs and symptoms after completion of the treatment protocol.

Comparison of temporomandibular disorders between menopausal and non-menopausal women.

ObjectivesHormonal changes during menopause alter a woman's susceptibility to some disorders. Information regarding the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in menopausal women is limited in the literature. In this study, the prevalence and severity of TMDs were compared between menopausal and non-menopausal women.Materials and MethodsThe study included 140 women (69 premenopausal and 71 postmenopausal) 45 to 55 years of age that were examined in Shiraz Dental School, Shiraz in Iran. The Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (Di) was used to evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.ResultsOccurrence of TMD was significantly higher in menopausal than non-menopausal women (P<0.001). All the TMD criteria based on Helkimo Di except range of mandibular movement were significantly more common in menopausal women. The range of mandibular movement was not significantly different between menopausal and non-menopausal women (P=0.178).ConclusionThe results from this study show that TMD can be considered more common and severe in menopausal than non-menopausal women. This finding indicates that, similar to other conditions in menopausal women such as arthritis and osteoporosis, TMD should be taken into consideration by dental and medical professionals.

Discectomy without replacement improves function in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

PurposeTreatment of internal derangement is controversial. This study assessed the effectiveness of discectomy without replacement in improving jaw function and decreasing pain. Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study sample of subjects with internal derangement underwent discectomy without replacement by one surgeon at a single academic medical center. The primary predictor variables were preoperative maximal incisal opening (MIO) and Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index (CDI) score. The primary outcome variable was postoperative MIO and CDI score. A paired student's t-test assessed the difference between pre- and post-operative MIO and CDI scores. ResultsPreoperatively, all patients had a clinical dysfunction index of DiIII, indicating severe dysfunction. Postoperatively 14 of 17 subjects (82%) showed marked improvement in mandibular function, and reduction in pain characterized as clinically symptom-free or only small dysfunction (DiO or DiI). One subject improved to DiII and two remained DiIII due to poor compliance. Preoperatively all subjects had an anamnestic index of AiII, representing TMJ locking or severe TMJ or muscle pain. Postoperatively 15 of 17 patients (88%) improved to AiO or AiI, and the two patients with poor compliance remained at AiII, but with marked pain reduction. Of the 17 subjects, the mean pre- and post-operative MIO was 24.2 mm and 34.9 mm, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in pre- and post-operative MIO in subjects with Wilkes III (p = 0.005) and Wilkes IV (p = 0.008), but not Wilkes V (p = 0.7). Mean pre- and post-CDI scores were 17.3 and 3.8, respectively (p < 0.001). When stratifying by Wilkes stage, there was a significant difference in pre- and post-operative CDI in subjects with Wilkes III (p < 0.001) and Wilkes IV (p < 0.001), but not Wilkes V (p = 0.1). ConclusionsIn Wilkes III and IV subjects, discectomy without replacement is effective in improving MIO based upon improvement in objective and subjective assessments.

The effects of clinical wear on the incidence of temporomandibular disorders among patients with complete dentures

Abstract Objective This study evaluates the effect of clinical wear on the incidence of temporomandibular disorders in patients with complete dentures. Methods A randomized clinical trial was conducted on two groups; group 1 (30 patients) received complete upper and lower dentures with teeth made of heat-cured acrylic resin, and group 2 (29 patients) received complete upper and lower dentures with teeth fabricated of porcelain. The occurrence and clinical examination of temporomandibular disorders were evaluated using Helkimo anamnestic dysfunction index (Ai) and Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (Di), respectively. Clinical wear of denture teeth was estimated by the assessment of wear depth using the mean differences between tracing images of lingual cusps at each follow-up. The patients were followed up at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months for assessment of clinical wear and incidence of temporomandibular disorders. Results The acrylic resin group was subjected to significantly higher wear than the porcelain group at 12, 18 and 24 months of follow-up. The incidence of temporomandibular disorders was also significantly higher in the acrylic resin group than in the porcelain group at 18 and 24 months of follow-up. Conclusion There was higher incidence of temporomandibular disorders among patients who wore complete dentures with teeth made of acrylic resin than in patients who wore complete dentures with porcelain teeth.

Correlation between oral health-related quality of life and clinical dysfunction index in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

We evaluated the correlation between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (HDI) in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA). Clinical data and scores for the Chinese version of the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-C14) were recorded and analyzed for 541 patients with TMJ OA. Each patient was assigned an HDI score of 1 to 25, which was used to classify severity into three categories. OHRQoL was assessed by using OHIP-C14 score, which ranged from 0 to 56. Both HDI score and severity were significantly correlated with total OHIP-C14 score (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). The scores for all HDI domains except function impairment (P = 0.205) were significantly correlated with OHIP-C14 score. The scores for all seven OHIP-C14 domains were significantly correlated with HDI score and severity. Several correlations between OHIP-C14 domains and HDI domain scores were significant. HDI score and severity were correlated with OHIP-C14 score in TMJ OA patients. As compared with function-related domains, pain-related HDI domains were more strongly inversely related to OHRQoL.(J Oral Sci 58, 483-490, 2016).

Orofacial features of subjects aged 18-30 years in the northern part of Kosovo and Metohija territory

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a universal term referred to herein to collectively denote a series of functional disorders of orofacial structures, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the masticatory muscles in particular. Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders within the observed sample population of the northern part of Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the frequency of signs and symptoms of this type of disorder. Methods: The study involved a sample of 300 subjects, aged 18-30 years. The sample comprised the target student population attending the University of Pristina, Kosovska Mitrovica. A random sample, intended for sampling without replacement, was drawn from the target population. All subjects underwent the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index analysis. Results of the analysis were quantified and expressed numerically, based on severity, as the Helkimo anamnestic dysfunction index (Ai) and the clinical dysfunction index (Di) with specific values assigned thereto accordingly. Results: The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders within the observed sample population totaled 50.7% (Di> 0). In the majority of patients a mild form of TMP (67%) was reported. Temporomandibular disorders were more common in women than in men, who appear to be three times as likely to develop the respective condition, demonstrating the ratio of 3:1. The most common TMD signs and symptoms implied mandibular kinetics disturbances (46%) and TMJ sounds (45%). The prevalence of pain during mandibular movements amounted to 9%, the palpable TMJ sensitivity to 20% and the palpable sensitivity of masticatory muscles 18%. Headache and otalgia were represented with 13%, that is, 3% in the observed sample. Conclusion: Temporomandibular disorder analysis demonstrates high incidence in the population of the northern part of Kosovo and Metohija. These findings indicate the need for an extensive prevention, control and treatment of this type of disorder.