Epidemiological analysis on 2375 patients with TMJ disorders: basic statistical aspects

Abstract

The aim of this work was to present data from a large sample of patients with Temporo-Mandibular Disorders (TMD) in order to clarify some aspects of the development of pathological conditions that affect large parts of the population. This preliminary work put in relation, through an epidemiological evaluation, anamnestic and clinical data collected from a sample of 2375 patients affected by TMD. Personal data were provided by questionnaire (age, sex, status, etc.), while clinical data were collected following a specific medical chart compiled in accordance with international criteria for TMD. An analysis of these data clearly showed that there were large quantities of variables involved in these disorders and which occur with a wide variety possible of clinical signs. This complexity, in accordance with the current knowledge that it is not able to clarify the etiology of these disorders, makes intricate both diagnostic then therapeutic aspects. You would find in front of a multi-factorial systemic disease that, interfering with the individual bioavailability, exposes him to the possibility of perceiving noxious stimuli which otherwise would not able to reach the pain threshold. To support this hypothesis is the data founded in this report that showed how many patients suffered, at the same time, by muscle and spinal pain associated to headache, pain that occur with high frequency from the same side. The presence of these painful conditions tends to underestimate the dysfunctional problems even if they occur with greater clinical prevalence. Further research should be carried out to clarify these controversial issues.

Keywords: epidemiology; statistical analysis; temporo-mandibular disorders.