The role of scoliosis on temporomandibular joint disease: a cross-sectional study based on ultrasonography

• Published in: Clinical radiology Vol. 79; no. 3; pp. e417 - e423
• Main Authors: Yelken Kendirci, M., Ertürk, A.F., Özcan, İ., Kendirci, A.Ş., Akgül, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Scoliosis - complications; Scoliosis - diagnostic imaging; Temporomandibular Joint - diagnostic imaging; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - complications; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - diagnostic imaging; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0009-9260; 1365-229X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.11.023

To investigate the relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the stomatognathic system and spine through a multidisciplinary approach, utilising ultrasound to assess the temporomandibular joint. Between October 2020 and January 2021, 50 patients aged 12–18 years with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled. All participants underwent clinical examinations based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol. Additionally, ultrasound evaluations were performed of the temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles. Subsequently, the data from both groups were compared and analysed. The mean age of participants was 14.69 ± 2.73 years in the scoliosis group (SG) and 14.68 ± 1.81 years in the control group (CG). Among scoliosis patients, a moderate negative correlation was observed between the Cobb angle (indicative of curvature severity) and mouth opening (p=0.023; r=-0.320). Furthermore, the incidence of TMD was significantly higher in the scoliosis group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Additionally, it was found that a 1-unit increase in joint space elastography value led to a 4.81-fold higher likelihood of diagnosing disc displacement with reduction (p=0.009; 95% CI: 1.47–15.73). This pioneering study, the first of its kind to explore the connection between scoliosis and ultrasound-based temporomandibular joint screening, suggests that scoliosis may be a predisposing factor for TMD. Moreover, the present findings underscore the importance of joint elastography as a valuable quantitative tool in TMD diagnosis. •Scoliosis may be a predisposing factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMD).•Joint elastography provides valuable numerical data for the diagnosis of TMD.•Masseter muscle stiffness increases in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).•An increase in the Cobb angle was associated with a decrease in mouth opening distance.•Patients with AIS should undergo regular screenings for TMD.