Comparison of clinical profiles and treatment outcomes of an elderly and ayounger temporomandibular patient group

Statement of problem. Older temporomandibular disorder patients with more g eneral complications and health problems may have a different clinical prof ile and be likely to react less favorably to conservative treatment. Purpose. This retrospective study compared the clinical profiles of a young (20 to 30 years) and an older (50 to 70 years) group of patients with pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular region and to analyze treatment o utcomes. Methods. Clinical profiles and treatment outcomes were studied with a stand ardized protocol and the Helkimo Pain and Dysfunction Index up to 1 year af ter initial examination. Results. Younger and older patients with temporomandibular disorder differe d only in pain intensity at initial examination, but the outcome of conserv ation treatment was equally successful. Conclusion. Conservative treatment resulted in a significant alleviation of pain and dysfunction in almost 85% of patients. Both the younger and the o lder patient groups benefitted from this treatment protocol and therefore c an be treated in the same fashion.