THE ULTRASONIC VALUE OF LOCAL MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY IN PATIENTS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT DISORDERS

Muscle pain and tenderness on palpation are two common symptoms in pat ients with temporomandibular joint disorders. Examination of the masti catory muscles is largely restricted to the use of electromyography. T he technique of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of muscle hypertrophy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders was investigated. The results of the study indicate that ultrasonography may be benefici al to locate affected muscles that do not exhibit symptoms of tenderne ss on palpation and thereby give hints for treatment planning.