The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with unique anatomy and fupction is the most important component of the masticatory system, which regulates mandrbular movement in coordination with the surrounding neuromuscular system. Hence, disorders of the TMJ can induce TMJ dysfunction in which cardinal symptoms are - pain, joint sounds and anpaired mandibular movement. Recently, TMJ dysfunction has been regarded as one of the four major diseases in dentistry along with dental caries, periodontal disease and malocclusion. Many investigations have been carried out actively on the etiology and symptomatology of TMJ dysfunction.
Costen (1934) was the first who mentioned about this disease. Subsequently Schwartz (1955) and Laskin (1969)15) reported and then Agerberg and Carlsson (1973,1975)1),2) Butler etc. (1975)4), Gelb etc. (1975, 1983)7)11), Weinberg etc. (1980)31) and Chung (1982)39).also reported. These studies put emphasis on the classification and incidence of symptoms. On the other hand Helkimo (1974)12) and Lee (1981)16) tried to evaluate and demonstrate the severity of symptoms by using dysfunction indices.´
Etiologies of TMJ dysfunction are complicated and symptoms and clinks´ findings are also manifold. So the investigation of interrelationships of these items is thought to be helpful for understanding this disease entity correctly. Erl lesson etc. (1983)6) reported the differences of maximum amount of mandibular movements and deviation of mouth opening path in groups of
patients with and without clicking. Marklund etc. (1972)17) reported the differences of muscle force on mandibular movements in patients with and without TMJ disorder.
However,. there were few investigations about the influence of TMJ disorder on mandibular movement among the´ population of Korea. The purpose of this study is to furnish basic data useful for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation of .TM7 dysfunction patients by investigating the symptoms and clinical findings and the influences of TMJ pain on the mandibular movement.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
In selecting patient materials, 367 TMJ dysfunction patients, who visited the department of Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital during the period from March 1983 to July 1984, were radiogaphically examined by transcranial oblique lateral projection and orthopantomogram. In cases where bony change of condyle and/or articular fossil of temporal bone was suspected, tomographical examination was also incorporated. In 327 patients, most of them showed positional change of condylar head compared with articular fossa,.but no bony change of condyle or articular fossa was found.
(1) Sex and age
Patients were classified by age in 5 year interval into
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