Craniomandibular disorders and general joint mobility.

The purpose of the investigation was to study the relationship between general joint mobility and dysfunction among patients with craniomandibular disorders (CMD). Joint mobility was assessed in 74 female patients and 73 controls, using Beighton's modification of the Carter & Wilkinson hypermobility score. Twenty-five (83%) of 30 patients with score greater than or equal to 3 (lax joints) had temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement. Eighteen (41%) of 44 patients with score 0-2 (no laxity) had TMJ involvement. The difference between these groups was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). General joint laxity should therefore be taken into consideration in diagnosis and treatment of CMG.