The relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction and head and cervical posture

• Published in: Journal of applied oral science Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 204 - 208
• Main Authors: Matheus, Ricardo Alves, Ramos-Perez, Flávia Maria de Moraes, Menezes, Alynne Vieira, Ambrosano, Gláucia Maria Bovi, Haiter-Neto, Francisco, Bóscolo, Frab Norberto, de Almeida, Solange Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru da Universidade de São Paulo 01.06.2009; Faculdade De Odontologia De Bauru - USP; University of São Paulo
• Subjects: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Cephalometry; Cervical Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging; Cervical Vertebrae - physiopathology; Craniofacial pain; Dentistry; DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Facial Pain - physiopathology; Female; Head - physiopathology; Humans; Hyoid Bone - diagnostic imaging; Hyoid Bone - physiopathology; Joint Dislocations - diagnostic imaging; Joint Dislocations - pathology; Joint Dislocations - physiopathology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Masseter Muscle - physiopathology; Original; Pain Measurement; Palpation; Posture; Radiography; Temporomandibular joint; Temporomandibular joint disc; Temporomandibular Joint Disc - pathology; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - diagnostic imaging; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - pathology; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - physiopathology; Temporomandibular joint; Craniofacial pain; Magnetic resonance imaging; Temporomandibular joint disc
• ISSN: 1678-7757; 1678-7765; 1678-7765; 1678-7757
• DOI: 10.1590/s1678-77572009000300014

This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of any correlation between disc displacement and parameters used for evaluation of skull positioning in relation to the cervical spine: craniocervical angle, suboccipital space between C0-C1, cervical curvature and position of the hyoid bone in individuals with and without symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. The patients were evaluated following the guidelines set forth by RDC/TMD. Evaluation was performed by magnetic resonance imaging for establishment of disc positioning in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 30 volunteer patients without temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms and 30 patients with symptoms. Evaluation of skull positioning in relation to the cervical spine was performed on lateral cephalograms achieved with the individual in natural head position. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by Fisher's exact test at 5% significance level. To measure the degree of reproducibility/agreements between surveys, the kappa (K) statistics was used. Significant differences were observed between C0-C1 measurement for both symptomatic (p=0.04) and asymptomatic (p=0.02). No statistical differences were observed regarding craniocervical angle, C1-C2 and hyoid bone position in relation to the TMJs with and without disc displacement. Although statistically significant difference was found in the C0-C1 space, no association between these and internal temporomandibular joint disorder can be considered. Based on the results observed in this study, no direct relationship could be determined between the presence of disc displacement and the variables assessed.