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An Objective, noninvasive method for the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders
Author(s) -
Westerman S. Thomas,
Golz Avishay,
Gilbert Liane,
Joachims Henry Z.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-199107000-00008
Subject(s) - temporomandibular joint , medicine , medical diagnosis , physical examination , magnetic resonance imaging , temporomandibular joint disorder , clinical diagnosis , orthodontics , dentistry , radiology , intensive care medicine
An objective, noninvasive method for the diagnosis and monitoring of pathology referable to the temporomandibular joint is presented. A computerized temporomandibular joint analyzer was developed to obtain data from the patient's temporomandibular joint area to provide an objective record of clinical symptoms and signs. This data, used in conjunction with a complete history and physical examination, aids in the diagnosis and decision‐making process for therapy. Fifty patients with temporomandibular complaints were evaluated. Diagnoses made using the temporomandibular joint analyzer in conjunction with complete histories and physical examinations were confirmed in 81% of the patients by further examinations with x‐ray studies, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and ar‐throscopy. Patients' progress during treatment was monitored using the temporomandibular joint analyzer. Results of the temporomandibular joint analyzer were compatible with patients' progress as reported subjectively and with clinical evaluation in 97% of the cases. The temporomandibular joint analyzer can be used to reduce time and expense as well as to minimize the discomfort involved in the evaluation of temporomandibular joint disorders.