Value of EMG analysis of mandibular elevators in open-close-clench cycle to diagnosing TMJ disturbance syndrome.

The EMGs of the temporal and masseter muscle, in sixty patients with temporomandibular joint disturbance syndrome (TMJDS) and thirty normal controls, were recorded during rhythmical open-close-clench cycle movement and before and after occlusal splint therapy. The duration of the muscle contraction before initial tooth contact (DMC), the latent period (LP) and the silent period (SP) of the myoelectrical activity were used as indices for exploring their diagnostic value. In contrast with the controls, DMC, LP and SP lengthened in the patients. The DMC was prolonged in those patients where there were TMJ sounds, the inter-cuspated position did not coincide with the muscular contact position and there was deviated mandibular movement. An increase of the SP was related to tooth contact on the balancing side. After treatment, the DMC and SP in the patients returned to the level of the controls. It was found that the internal correction rate of Fisher's linear discriminate function established for the DMC and SP of the temporal and masseter muscles was 80.9% and 85.1% respectively. The results show that the DMC and SP of the temporal and masseter muscles have some value in diagnosing muscular dysfunction and discriminating therapeutic effectiveness.