The research on temporomandibular joint clicking: a methodological review.
The large variance in the reported prevalence of TMJ clicking is a result of the study of nonrepresentative groups, the use of different instruments, and the lack of a definition of "abnormal" clicking. Etiologic studies must be regarded with caution because it is not clear which mechanisms trigger TMJ clicking (or how) and because TMJ research is usually quasi-experimental, which precludes definitive conclusions concerning cause and effect. The lack of objective criteria makes diagnosis difficult. It is suggested that psychological factors such as symptom perception and report play a role in the decision to seek help, in the diagnosis, and in the treatment.
Spruijt
R J
RJ
Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam.
Hoogstraten
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001314:Auscultation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010173:Palpation; D015995:Prevalence; D013016:Sound; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*