O. Kovero et M. Kononen, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENT VIOLIN PLAYERS, Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 54(4), 1996, pp. 271-274
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.