[Temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A consequence of whiplash-injury].

BACKGROUND

In 10-20% of patients with a simple whiplash-injury without severe structural lesions, a chronification of the complaints occurs. The question is whether some unidentified pathogenic factors exist.

SCIENTIFIC QUESTION

Investigations have demonstrated that mandibular and head-neck movements are coordinated and centrally controlled and that a craniocervical dysfunction (CCD) can lead to a temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) by reflex action and vice versa. This study investigated whether a whiplash-injury can lead to a TMD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

IA total of 187 patients with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) were examined for TMD. Simple tests with and without loading of the mandible were used to initially diagnose TMD and the diagnosis was confirmed electrophysiologically. TMD could be verified in all patients with WAD. According to these investigations a CMD was regularly found in patients with WAD and relief from suffering can often not be achieved without treatment of the CMD.