title: An objective, noninvasive method for the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders.
abstract: An objective, noninvasive method for the diagnosis and monitoring of pathology referable to the temporomandibular joint is presented. A computerized temporomandibular joint analyzer was developed to obtain data from the patient's temporomandibular joint area to provide an objective record of clinical symptoms and signs. This data, used in conjunction with a complete history and physical examination, aids in the diagnosis and decision-making process for therapy. Fifty patients with temporomandibular complaints were evaluated. Diagnoses made using the temporomandibular joint analyzer in conjunction with complete histories and physical examinations were confirmed in 81% of the patients by further examinations with x-ray studies, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopy. Patients' progress during treatment was monitored using the temporomandibular joint analyzer. Results of the temporomandibular joint analyzer were compatible with patient's progress as reported subjectively and with clinical evaluation in 97% of the cases. The temporomandibular joint analyzer can be used to reduce time and expense as well as to minimize the discomfort involved in the evaluation of temporomandibular joint disorders.
authors.affiliation: Westerman Research Associates, Shrewsbury, N.J.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Westerman
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Golz
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: H Z
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Joachims
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology