Age and Gender in TMJ Sounds

Atlas University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06871189

2024-ATLAS

Details and patient eligibility

About

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in masticatory function, and its proper lubrication is essential for smooth, frictionless movement. Disruptions to the lubricating system, often due to age-related changes or parafunctional activities such as teeth clenching or bruxism, can increase joint friction, leading to vibrations or intra-articular sounds. These sounds have become an essential diagnostic tool for assessing internal derangements of the TMJ. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing TMJ disorders, its limitations in evaluating intra-articular structures have led to the development of alternative methods, such as Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA). This study explores the relationship between age, gender, and TMJ vibration frequencies using JVA in a cohort of 367 participants. We analyzed four key vibration parameters: Range of Motion (ROM), Total Integral Left (TIL), Total Integral Right (TIR), and frequency distributions in the <300 Hz and >300 Hz segments.

Enrollment: 300 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 10 to 30 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Participants capable of achieving an inter-incisal opening of 30 to 50 mm without restrictions.
• Free from symptoms indicative of temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
• Possessing fully and/or prosthetically restored dentition.
• Demonstrating adequate mouth opening to facilitate the rotation of the condylar process.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals using psychotropic or narcotic medications, regardless of medical oversight.
• Regular consumption of painkillers or anti-inflammatory agents.
• Long-term treatment with cortisone or its derivatives. Individuals who have sustained traumatic injuries to the maxillofacial region.
• Participants who have suffered the loss of organs and/or tissue in the maxillofacial area due to medical or traumatic causes.

Trial design

300 participants in 4 patient groups

Female ≤22 years

Description:

Participants who identify as female and are 22 years old or younger.

Female ≥23 years

Description:

Participants who identify as female and are 23 years old or older.

Male ≤22 years

Description:

Participants who identify as male and are 22 years old or younger.

Male ≥23 years

Description:

Participants who identify as male and are 23 years old or older.