TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDREN

Sixteen pediatric patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunct ion were successfully diagnosed following appropriately selected imagi ng methods. The role of radiography in diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction is essential in distinguishing between the osteogenic and non-osteogenic etiologies. Computed tomography (CT) was found to be a valuable imagi ng method, with advantages over plain film radiography. The treatment modalities considered were: non-invasive therapy, occlusal therapy and surgical treatment. The treatment of choice was dependent on the oste ogenic or non-osteogenic etiology. Surgery was considered only when th e non-invasive or occlusal therapies were ineffective. Copyright (C) 1 997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.