Evaluation of temporomandibular joint function after orthognathic surgery using a jaw tracker

Abstract

Objective: It has been reported that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function after orthognathic surgery differs from normal patients. Dysfunction of the joints occurs often even in the general public, with an incidence in the range of 20%–25%. Population-based studies among adults report that approximately 10%–15% have symptoms of pain and 5% of them had a perceived need for treatment. To date, no studies have reported on the evaluation of TMJ function after orthognathic surgery through the use of four-dimensional jaw tracking. Design and setting: This study evaluated TMJ function using such a device and information from a TMJ questionnaire. Sixteen orthognathic surgery patients and 17 controls were included in this study. Four-dimensional jaw tracking information was obtained using the SiCAT JMT device. Clinical signs and jaw function were evaluated. Results: Within the limitations of the study, the following results were seen using the SICAT JMT+ jaw tracking device: (1) no significant differences were found in any of the millimetric measurements between the surgery patients and controls; (2) no significant difference was found in subjective reported symptoms of pain, clicking, crepitation, locking, stiffness, headaches and migraines between the groups; and (3)there was a significant difference in the popping of the joints for surgery and non-surgery groups. Conclusion: Jaw tracking did not detect significant differences in jaw function, but some clinical symptoms were present.