SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS AND RADIOLOGICALLY OBSERVED ABNORMALITIES IN THE CONDYLES OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTSOF PROFESSIONAL VIOLIN AND VIOLA PLAYERS

The frequency of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and radiologically observed abnormalities in the condyles of the temporomandibular joint s (TMJs) of professional violin and viola players was investigated in 26 orchestra violinists/violists (VP group) and in their sex-, age-, a nd dentition-matched controls (C group). A routine clinical stomatogna thic examination, a standardized interview, and radiography of the con dyles were carried out for all subjects. The VP group showed a higher frequency of subjective symptoms and clinical signs of TMD, such as pa lpatory tenderness of masticatory muscles, TMJ clicking, painful mandi bular movements, and deviation on opening or closing. There was no dif ference between the groups in terms of radiologic findings in the cond yles. Weekly playing hours correlated positively with some signs of TM D. It is concluded that professional violin or viola playing might he a predisposing factor for TMD.