A retrospective analysis of temporomandibular findings among Israeli-born patients based on the RDC/TMD

The purpose of this study was to evaluate temporomandibular disorders (TMD) Axis I and II among Israeli-Jewish patients using the Hebrew version of the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for TMD and to compare the results with Swedish, United States, Asian and Israeli-Arab populations. The study consisted of 298 Israeli-born, Jewish patients (male/female ratio 3.5:1), arriving at an Orofacial Pain Clinic during the year 2001-2004. A complete clinical examination was carried out according to the RDC/TMD protocol. Axis I diagnoses: 65% of the Israeli-Jewish patients exhibited myofacial pain (Group I disorder), 38% disc displacement (Group II disorder) and 18% arthralgia, osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis (Group III disorder). Axis II diagnoses: 20% of the patients scored severe depression and 35% scored somatization. Pain was reported in 82% of the patients (mean pain duration 35.7-33.8 months for women, 44.1 for men). Patients had an average disability score of 30.0 +/- 30.2. Chronic pain grade IV was present in 4% of the patients. Israeli-Jewish temporomandibular disorder patients showed results similar to those reported for other countries, further supporting the use of the RDC/TMD internationally as a reliable epidemiological tool. Globally, Axis I scores were similar, while Axis II scores were more susceptible to geographic/ethnic differences. Gender can influence Axis I and Axis II as well as possible gender specific association with socio-economic status. In future comparisons, men and women should be considered separately.