Age and Gender in TMJ Sounds

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in masticatory function, and its proper lubrication is essential for smooth, frictionless movement. Disruptions to the lubricating system, often due to age-related changes or parafunctional activities such as teeth clenching or bruxism, can increase joint friction, leading to vibrations or intra-articular sounds. These sounds have become an essential diagnostic tool for assessing internal derangements of the TMJ. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing TMJ disorders, its limitations in evaluating intra-articular structures have led to the development of alternative methods, such as Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA). This study explores the relationship between age, gender, and TMJ vibration frequencies using JVA in a cohort of 367 participants. We analyzed four key vibration parameters: Range of Motion (ROM), Total Integral Left (TIL), Total Integral Right (TIR), and frequency distributions in the <300 Hz and >300 Hz segments.

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Key information

Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Behavior Coitus Craniomandibular Disorders Jaw Diseases Joint Diseases Mandibular Diseases Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Sexual Behavior Stomatognathic Diseases Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Age range

10 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Istanbul Atlas Univercity

Istanbul, Anadolu, 34403, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Participants capable of achieving an inter-incisal opening of 30 to 50 mm without restrictions.
Free from symptoms indicative of temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Possessing fully and/or prosthetically restored dentition.
Demonstrating adequate mouth opening to facilitate the rotation of the condylar process.

Exclusion criteria

Individuals using psychotropic or narcotic medications, regardless of medical oversight.
Regular consumption of painkillers or anti-inflammatory agents.
Long-term treatment with cortisone or its derivatives. Individuals who have sustained traumatic injuries to the maxillofacial region.
Participants who have suffered the loss of organs and/or tissue in the maxillofacial area due to medical or traumatic causes.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

range of motion

Time frame: The outcome measure was assessed at baseline.

ROM is measured as the maximum mouth opening (mouth opening distance), which is an indicator of joint mobility and dysfunction in TMD patients. Limited or abnormal ROM in the TMJ, reflected by restricted mouth opening, is often associated with pain, dysfunction, and impaired jaw movement, making it a crucial parameter for assessing the severity of TMD.
Total Integral

Time frame: The outcome measure was assessed at baseline

hese parameters assess the intensity and frequency of the joint's movement on each side (left and right). TIL and TIR represent the overall activity and functional performance of the TMJ during movement, with abnormal values potentially indicating dysfunction or asymmetry between the left and right sides. These parameters are critical for evaluating the joint's response to treatment and the presence of any abnormalities in movement or pressure distribution across the TMJ.
Frequency Components

Time frame: The outcome measure was assessed at baseline

The frequency parameters assess the overall movement and condition of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by measuring pressure wave activity across different frequency ranges. Integral > 300 Hz (d1/d2) reflects higher frequency components primarily influenced by joint surface roughness and degenerative changes. Integral < 300 Hz (c1/c2) represents lower frequency components associated with disc movements, which can be affected by disc displacement, hypermobility, or joint laxity. The Ratio (e1/e2) indicates the ratio of high to low frequencies, providing insight into joint surface condition and overall TMJ health. These parameters are crucial for evaluating the function and possible degeneration of the TMJ.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Atlas University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Age and Gender on TMJ Sound Frequencies and Mouth-Opening Distances

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Mar 11, 2025
Registry last updated: Mar 11, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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