The relationship between symptoms and signs of temporomandibular disorders and the patients' quality of life
Chen, H.-m.; Fu, K.-y.; Zhang, Z.-k.
Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi 42(3): 173-175
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1002-0098 PMID: 17565829 Document Number: 608650
To analyze the relationship between symptoms and signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the patients' quality of life (QOL). A total of 492 TMD patients were included in this study. The clinical examination results were recorded using Fricton index of temporomandibular joint function. "Visual analog scale (VAS) evaluation of QOL disturbance" was designed to quantitate patients' QOL, to evaluate the degree that the patients QOL was affected. Chewing, daily life and emotion among all 8 items of QOL were frequently affected by TMD, and joint clicking had the least influence on QOL. Intermittent closed lock had more severe interference with QOL than joint clicking only. Severe and moderate pain or limited mouth opening affected the QOL more severely than mild pain or mild limited mouth opening. The simple linear relationship between Fricton index and patients' QOL was poor (r < 0.4). Pain is the most frequently seen symptom in TMD. TMD could affect patients' QOL, including both physical and social-psychological functions. The results suggest that the patients' QOL as well as TMD symptoms and signs should be considered in the management of TMD.