Thesis (doctoral)--Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 1996. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMD) are the most common chronic pain conditions in the dental population. The cardinal signs and symptoms of these disorders are pain in orofacial muscles and / or joints; joint sounds; and limitation o f mandibular movement. Limitation of mandibular movement is usually assessed by measuring linear mouth opening. However, this has a number o f limitations. It is dependent on variables such as age, gender and ramus length. A new measure o f movement was therefore developed, the temporomandibular opening index, which was found, in a limited study to be independent of age and gender. In this study, several variables - age., gender, gonial angle and ramus length - were studied to determine their effect, on the temporomandibular opening index. This temporomandibular opening index was determined as a ratio between active (voluntary) and passive mouth opening (Miller et al., 1999). Forty-two subjects who did not exhibit signs and symptoms o f TMD were recruited to the study. Ramus length, gonial angle, gender, and age were tested for association with the temporomandibular opening index. Linear regression analysis showed that there was no evidence o f a relationship between the TOI and any o f the variables tested. The analysis showed that the temporomandibular opening index was not dependent on gender (p>0.644); gonial angle (p>0.327); ramus length (p>0.248) and age (p>0.690). This suggests that, as the temporomandibular opening index is also independent o f both age and gender, it is a better indicator o f limitation of oral opening than linear mouth opening measurements. In addition, it can also be used to categorise TMD patients. It is a cost effective, simple aid in the diagnosis o f these disorders.

M.Tech. / Purpose: Many diseases are very complex and this is especially true with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The lack of consensus on the aetiology, signs and symptoms and treatments available makes it extremely difficult for health care practitioners to treat TMDs. A clear definition of the condition itself has not been agreed on between many disciplines involved in the diagnoses and treatment of TMDs. Two competing definitions stand out in current literature. The physical medicine and dental professions define TMDs as various musculoskeletal disorders of the masticatory system. Some authors also stated that most patients with TMDs suffer primarily from a muscular disorder caused by masticatory myofascial trigger points (TrPs). The chiropractic profession defines TMDs as a group of somatic disorders that occur around the structurally integrated craniomandibular system but primarily affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) system. The term TMDs recognises that this craniomandibular pathology is a result of dysfunction in any structural area of the head or neck, not only the TMJ. This purpose of this study was to compare an adjustment treatment approach versus a soft tissue approach for the treatment of TMDs. Method: This study consisted of two groups; both the experimental and control groups consisted of 15 participants with TMDs. The participants were between the ages of 18 and 40 years. Potential participants were examined and accepted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The experimental group received adjustments delivered to the TMJ and upper cervical spine, the control group received therapeutic ultrasound (U/S) to the xiv muscles of mastication. Objective and subjective findings were based on the treatments. Procedure: Each participant agreed to 6 treatment sessions and a seventh follow up session over a 4 week period. The participant completed a TMDs Disability Questionnaire. Algometer readings were taken over the masseter and temporalis TrPs bilaterally. Calliper readings measured the range of motion (ROM) of the TMJ, i.e. mandibular depression, protrusion and right and left deviation. The experimental group received adjustments to restricted segments of the TMJ and upper cervical spine as determined by motion palpation. The control group received therapeutic U/S to the masseter and temporalis muscles bilaterally. The same treatment procedures were administered over the study; subjective and objective readings were only taken again at visit 4 and 7. Results: In terms of subjective measurements based on the TMDs Disability Questionnaire scores, a statistically significant difference in the disability, severity and frequency of symptoms within the experimental and control groups individually, as well as the usual symptom intensity level within the control group was revealed. No statistically significant difference in terms of disability, frequency, severity and usual symptom intensity between the two treatment groups over time was revealed. In terms of objective measurements based on algometer readings, a statistically significant difference in the left masseter muscle and right temporalis muscle sensitivity within the experimental group individually was revealed. A statistically significant difference in the left masseter muscle and left temporalis muscle sensitivity within the control group individually was revealed. No statistically significant difference in muscle sensitivity between the groups over time was revealed. However, the control group showed a larger overall clinical significant difference in the masseter and temporalis muscle sensitivity bilaterally.

Thesis (M.S.)--School of Dentistry. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2005. / "A thesis in oral biology." Advisor: Alan G. Glaros. Typescript. Vita. Title from "catalog record" of the print edition Description based on contents viewed March 12, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-114 ). Online version of the print edition.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Ottawa, 1995. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--California School of Professional Psychology, 1997. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alberta, Dept. of Oral Health Sciences, 1999. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Grand Valley State University, 1997. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, 1997. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alberta, Dept. of Oral Health Sciences, 1999. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.