Effect of impact and injury characteristics on post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the potential effects of motor vehicle accident impact and injury characteristics on post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders in terms of presenting signs and symptoms, diagnoses, treatment regimens, and outcomes.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 50 patients with post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders from a private oral medicine practice was undertaken. Various demographic data and data related to temporomandibular disorders and motor vehicle accident impact and injury characteristics were collected. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests and multiple regression analyses were performed.


RESULTS
Patients involved in front-end collisions or motor vehicle accidents resulting in severe vehicle damage reported more direct orofacial injury. However, those in rear-end collisions or accidents resulting in minimal vehicle damage required more treatment. Direct head or orofacial injury was therefore not a prognostic indicator. From multiple regression analyses, indicators of a poorer prognosis were minimal vehicle damage, lack of headrest use, driver position, and settlement of insurance claim.


CONCLUSIONS
In this patients group several prognostic indicators for patients with post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders were identified; these indicators may influence the management approach for this patient population.
Kolbinson
D A
DA
Department of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Vancouver.
Epstein
J B
JB
Senthilselvan
A
A
Burgess
J A
JA
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001924:Brain Concussion; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma; D005151:Facial Injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007346:Insurance, Accident; D008297:Male; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000293:injuries; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000293:injuries; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D018677:Tooth Injuries; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices