Mandibular movements in patients with masticatory myofascial pain dysfunction

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of masticatory myofacial pain on the function of the stomatognatic system. Materials and methods: A group of 42 patients with myofacial pain of the masticatiry muscles, aged from 29-52 years (median 40) and group of 42 health controls, aged from 30-57 years (median 40) were examined using RDC/TMD protocol. Mandibular movements (unassisted opening without pain, maximal unassisted opening, maximal assisted opening, maximal right and left laterotrusion, and maximal protrusion) were measured using precise caliper. Results: In myofascial pain group the mean value of unassisted opening without pain was 42.64± ; ; ; ; 8.60 mm, maximal unassisted opening was 48.01± ; ; ; ; 8.43 mm and maximal assisted opening was 49.19± ; ; ; ; 8.58 mm while in health control group mean value of unassisted opening without pain was 51.36± ; ; ; ; 5.35 mm, maximal unassisted opening was 51.37± ; ; ; ; 5.34 mm and maximal assisted opening was 52.43± ; ; ; ; 5.33 mm. The mean value of maximal right laterotrusion was 9.89± ; ; ; ; 2.10 mm, and maximal left laterotrusion was 10.01± ; ; ; ; 2.56 mm in myofascial pain group compared to health control group where the mean value of maximal right laterotrusion was 10.59± ; ; ; ; 2.09 mm, and left laterotrusion was 10.59± ; ; ; ; 1.89 mm. The mean value of maximal protrusion in myofascial pain group was 9.12± ; ; ; ; 2.15 mm ; while in health control group it was 11.12± ; ; ; ; 2.04 mm. Student t- test analysis shows statistically significant difference between the groups in relation to unassisted opening without pain (p