Objectives : Electrosonography may be used to record and analyze temporomandibular joint sounds providing the clinicians with valuable information on diagnosis and treatment planning. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristic patterns of joint sounds before, during and after conservative therapy in TMD patients.
Methods : This study was carried out with 39 TMD patients with internal derangement who visited the Orofacial pain clinic, Pusan National University Hospital. We had recorded bilateral TMJ sounds with auscultation, which were classified into three patterns; click, crepitus and pop. Electrosonography was objectively examined for frequency and amplitude components. The electrosonographic analysis was performed at first visit, after physical therapy only and after a combination of splint and physical therapy.
Results : According to classification of TMJ sounds, the sequence in magnitude of the amplitude was pop, click and crepitus. The amplitude and frequency of clicking were prominently lower after conservative therapy. At first visit and after conservative therapy, the amplitude of early clicking was lower than that of middle and late click. The TMJ pain and sounds were more improved and the amplitude of TMJ sounds was decreased after physical therapy only and a combination of splint and physical therapy.
Conclusions : We conclude that electrosonography provides important diagnostic information about the pathophysiology and progression of TMD and conservative therapy has beneficial effects on managing patients with TMJ pain, noise and dysfunction.
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