The role of scoliosis on temporomandibular joint disease: a cross-sectional study based on ultrasonography

AIM: To investigate the relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the stomatognathic system and spine through a multidisciplinary approach, utilising ultrasound to assess the temporomandibular joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2020 and January 2021, 50 patients aged 12 -18 years with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled. All participants underwent clinical examinations based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol. Additionally, ultrasound evaluations were performed of the temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles. Subsequently, the data from both groups were compared and analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 14.69 +/- 2.73 years in the scoliosis group (SG) and 14.68 +/- 1.81 years in the control group (CG). Among scoliosis patients, a moderate negative correlation was observed between the Cobb angle (indicative of curvature severity) and mouth opening (p=0.023; r=-0.320). Furthermore, the incidence of TMD was significantly higher in the scoliosis group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Additionally, it was found that a 1 -unit increase in joint space elastography value led to a 4.81-fold higher likelihood of diagnosing disc displacement with reduction (p=0.0 09; 95% CI: 1.47-15.73). CONCLUSION: This pioneering study, the first of its kind to explore the connection between scoliosis and ultrasound-based temporomandibular joint screening, suggests that scoliosis may be a predisposing factor for TMD. Moreover, the present findings underscore the importance of joint elastography as a valuable quantitative tool in TMD diagnosis. (c) 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Royal College of Radiologists.