engleski

Frequency of temporomandibular disorders in patients with axial spondyloarthritis and neck pain

Background: Neck pain is associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) self-report pain or difficulty with neck movements and simultaneous pain and difficulty in opening the mouth at the rheumatological examination. Therefore, patients with SpA with clinically pronounced disturbances of the cervical spine represent a significant group for evaluating TMDs, although we are aware of the fact that patients with SpA and neck pain do not necessarily have TMD. The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of TMD in patients with SpA and neck pain. Methods: Eligibility for inclusion in the study was considered in 224 adult patients with axial SpA with regard to neck pain (entry criteria) and the absence of other autoimmune diseases, infections, malignant tumors, pregnancy and decompensated diseases of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, central nervous system or endocrine organs (exclusion criteria) during a routine rheumatological examination. The diagnosis of TMD was made at examination by a dental medicine doctor according to the Diagnostic criteria for TMD protocol. Results: 25% of patients with SpA (n 56) did not have neck pain and did not meet the entry criteria. Additionally, 48 patients were excluded due to exclusion criteria. Six patients were excluded from the research for technical reasons. Therefore 114 patients with SpA and neck pain were allocated to the investigation group. In this group 39.47% (45 patients) did not have TMD, and 60.52% (n 69) have TMD. Conclusion: Approximately 60% of SpA and neck pain have TMD. Considering their high frequency in patients with SpA, TMD requires the attention of rheumatologists and dentists in daily practice.

neck pain ; spondyloarthritis, axial ; temporomandibular disorders ; temporomandibular joints

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