Temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome: a prospective study of 255 consecutive patients.

Objective: To determine the relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (TMDS), sex and pain severity.

Methods: Data were collected prospectively from consecutive patients with TMDS. Patients were divided into four subgroups according to signs and symptoms: myofascial pain; intra-articular disorders; extra-articular disorders; degenerative disorders. Intergroup sex distribution differences were evaluated, the pain severity between the four subgroups was compared, and the rates of bruxism and inco-ordination were measured. A visual analogue scale was used to rate the pain.

Results: A total of 255 patients with TMDS were included in the study. A significantly higher rate of extra-articular disorders was found in male patients. Bruxism was found to be significantly more common in females than in males. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of inco-ordination based on sex. The overall pain score was higher in females than in males, but there was no significant difference. The pain score was significantly higher in patients in the degenerative disorders subgroup, compared with other subgroups.

Conclusions: There was no relationship between TMDS and pain and sex. Pain scores were significantly higher in the degenerative disorders subgroup, compared with other subgroups.