SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENT VIOLIN PLAYERS

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and the frequ ency of radiologically observed abnormalities in the condyles of tempo romandibular joints (TMJs) of adolescent violin players (VP group) wer e investigated in a group of 31 music students and in their age- and s ex-matched controls (C group). All subjects underwent a routine clinic al stomatognathic examination, a standardized interview, and radiograp hy of the condyles. The VP group reported a higher frequency of the su bjective symptoms: pain in the TMJ when chewing, a feeling of stiffnes s in the TMJ, and clenching of the teeth. Clinically, the VP group sho wed a greater range of maximal protrusion and of maximal laterotrusion to the right, and a greater frequency of deviation to the right on op ening They also showed more palpatory tenderness in the masticatory mu scles and pain in the TMJ on maximal opening. The number of playing ye ars and the number of weekly playing hours correlated with several sig ns and symptoms of TMDs. In terms of radiologic findings in the condyl es of the TMJs there was no difference between the groups. It is concl uded that intense violin playing may have a predisposing role in the e tiology of TMDs in adolescence.