Non-invasive measurement of the deep temperature of the temporomandibular joint region.

This study was carried out to non-invasively measure the deep temperature of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region at rest and after 100 opening and closing movements of the mandible. Using a transcutaneous probe, we performed deep thermometry by the zero-heat-flow method. A RAM-Pack recording system was employed, and the data were processed by and stored in a microcomputer. In 20 normal male subjects, no differences were observed in the deep temperature of the right and left TMJ regions at rest and after exercise. However, in patients with temporomandibular disorders, the deep temperature of the symptomatic joint was higher than that of the asymptomatic joint. The difference, however, gradually decreased to normal with occlusal splint therapy. Thus, it is clear that the deep temperature of the TMJ region provides useful information about inflammation of the TMJ.