“Temporomandibular hypermobility as a sequelae of generalized joint hypermobility in temporomandibular disorders: a pilot study”

Background. Various studies have found increased association between occurrence of Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), suggesting that the former may represent a risk factor in the development of TMDs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypermobility and GJH, clinically as well as radiographically. Materials and methods. 60 participants, between age range of 18-35 years, equally divided into study and control groups, were evaluated for the presence of TMDs based on the RDC/TMD criteria. Radiographic examination was done using panoramic view, TMJ open and close tomographic views. Systemic joint hypermobility was assessed by using Beighton criteria. Results: Based on the Beighton’s score for GJH, 53.3% of study patients were distinctly hypermobile, 20% were moderately hypermobile and 26.7% had no hypermobility. In the control group, only 3.3% exhibited distinct hypermobility, 10% had moderate hypermobility and 86.7% showed no hypermobility. There was statistically significant correlation (p=0.001) between the TMD group and individuals with severe GJH (high Beighton score). 73.3% of the study participants demonstrated radiographically hypermobile TMJ as well as GJH. The results of spearman correlation indicated a high correlation between radiographically hypermobile TMJ and GJH.