The contribution of electromyography and kinesiography to the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders

The aim of this investigation is to show the help of the elettromyograph and the kinesiograph to diagnostic and treat masticatory muscle pains and temporomandibular joint disorders. TMD is a collective term embracing a number of clinical problems that involve the masticatory musculature and the temporomandibular joints. There are many known contributing factors to complex multifactorial nature of TMD: traumatic, anatomic, pathophysiologic, neourophatic, psychogenic and psychosocial origin. The complex etiology of TMD requires an interdisciplinary approach for successful diagnosis, treatment and maintenance. TMD patients have distinctly different patterns of muscle activity than asymptomatic subjects. Besides restrictions, deviations, limitations in jaw movement are important diagnostic criteria. Successful treatment reduces the irregularity and severity of muscle dysfunction and improves the mandibular movements. So comparison of post-treatment results with pre-treatment situations documents treatment efficacy and effectiveness. These instrumentations (EMG- EGN) are extremely valuable for initial patients evaluations, as well as for monitoring treatment results.