EFFECT OF IMPACT AND INJURY CHARACTERISTICS ON POST-MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS

Objectives. The objective of this study was to assess the potential ef fects of motor vehicle accident impact and injury characteristics on p ost-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders in terms of pre senting signs and symptoms, diagnoses, treatment regimens, and outcome s. Study Design. A retrospective chart review of 50 patients with post -motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders from a private ora l medicine practice was undertaken. Various demographic data and data related to temporomandibular disorders and motor vehicle accident impa ct and injury characteristics were collected. Chi-square and Fisher ex act tests and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results. Pa tients involved in front-end collisions or motor vehicle accidents res ulting in severe vehicle damage reported more direct orofacial injury. However, those in rear-end collisions or accidents resulting in minim al vehicle damage required more treatment. Direct head or orofacial in jury was therefore not a prognostic indicator. From multiple regressio n analyses, indicators of a poorer prognosis were minimal Vehicle dama ge, lack of headrest use, driver position, and settlement of insurance claim. Conclusions. In this patient group several prognostic indicato rs for patients with post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular dis orders were identified; these indicators may influence the management approach for this patient population.