Structural lesions of the TMJ in relation to Mycoplasma pneumonia infections.

Aims: The presence of different types of bacteria in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is considered an etiological factor in TMJ pathologies. Mycoplasma pneumonia (MP), for instance, can be present in different joint pathologies. The aim of the present study is to correlate pathognomonic imaging of the TMJ in nuclear magnetic resonance with laboratory tests for MP.

Electromyographic evaluation of the 'vertical' dimension: the Learreta TMJ decompression test.

The clinical observation of the incisors overbite is the most common form used to evaluate the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD); however, this technique offers poor information about the compression state of the TMJ. In order to obtain such information, it is necessary to evaluate the electrical activity of the elevator muscles using surface electromyography (EMG). In case of a compressive irritation of the joint receptors, the trigeminal nucleus returns an inhibitory motor response of the elevator muscles that can be measured.

HLA analysis in patients with degenerative diseases of the temporomandibular joint.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of HLA alleles, specifically HLA-DR alleles, and to correlate them with clinical and radiological features of patients with degenerative processes (DP) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The final goal was to determine which allele can be used to identify patients having more aggressive forms of the articular pathologies. Thirty-two (32) Caucasian patients with DP of the TMJ were included in the study.

Current diagnosis of temporomandibular pathologies.

The current scientific knowledge of TMJ pathologies points to the importance of etiological research and the need for differential diagnosis using the most modem technological resources. Those include MRI, computed tomography, serologic studies, genetic mapping, and bioelectronic instruments which allow clinicians to study, understand, and measure respectively, the structural changes of soft and hard tissues, infections, genetic susceptibility for autoimmune diseases, and stomatognathic function. The purpose of this article is an overview of the current knowledge and related tools for the diagnosis of TMJ pathologies.

Muscular activity disorders in relation to intentional occlusal interferences.

The electromyographic activity (EMG) of the anterior temporal (AT), masseter (M), trapezius (T) muscles and anterior aspect of the digastric (D) was measured in 50 subjects, during six seconds of maximum contraction, bilaterally with and without unilateral premature contacts and individually for each tooth. Special occlusal interferences were designed to assess muscular activity. Muscular activity was measured simultaneously by placing premature contacts on each tooth, under T-Scan monitoring.