Diagnostic Approaches to Temporomandibular Disorders

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 833

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Interests: orthognathic surgery; oral surgery; obstructive sleep apnea; oral and maxillofacial surgery; trigeminal nerve repair; temporomandibular joint surgery
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Dear Colleagues,

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a diverse group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and associated structures, often resulting in pain, dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management, yet TMDs present diagnostic challenges due to their multifactorial etiology and overlapping symptoms with other orofacial conditions. Advances in diagnostic approaches, including clinical examination, imaging modalities such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrophysiological assessments, and emerging biomarkers, have enhanced our ability to identify underlying pathologies and tailor treatment strategies. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current and emerging diagnostic tools, highlighting their roles, limitations, and clinical applications. Emphasizing the integration of traditional clinical assessments with innovative imaging and molecular diagnostics, the issue seeks to promote a multidisciplinary approach for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized management of TMD. Ultimately, the goal is to improve patient outcomes through precise, evidence-based diagnostic protocols that facilitate timely intervention and better quality of life for affected individuals.

Prof. Dr. Yiu Yan Leung
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • temporomandibular disorders
  • TMD
  • diagnostic approaches
  • imaging modalities
  • clinical assessment
  • TMJ
  • facial pain, MRI, CBCT
  • orofacial pain

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 537 KB  
Article
Bioelectrical Activity of Masticatory Muscles and Postural Stability Across TMD Subtypes
by Aleksandra Dolina, Justyna Pałka, Magdalena Zawadka, Marcin Wójcicki, Monika Litko-Rola, Jacek Szkutnik and Piotr Gawda
Diagnostics 2026, 16(5), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16050799 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 355
Abstract
Background: Existing evidence suggests an association between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and alterations in body posture and balance; however, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between specific TMD subtypes, indices of bioelectrical activity of [...] Read more.
Background: Existing evidence suggests an association between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and alterations in body posture and balance; however, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between specific TMD subtypes, indices of bioelectrical activity of the masticatory muscles, and parameters of body posture and balance. Methods: The study followed a case–control study design. A total of 81 participants were enrolled, including 33 controls and 48 individuals with TMD, classified into myofascial (n = 14), articular (n = 17), and mixed (n = 17) subtypes. Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders was carried out by prosthodontic specialists using the Polish adaptation of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Masticatory muscle bioelectrical activity was assessed by surface electromyography. For statistical analysis, the Asymmetry Index and Functional Clenching Activity Indices were used. Static balance was evaluated with a pedobarographic platform. The sway area, velocity, and length of the Center of Pressure, as well as the foot contact area, were recorded and automatically calculated by the system. Measurements were performed under different mandibular conditions, with both eyes open and eyes closed. Correlation analyses were performed using Spearman Rank Order Correlation. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was used for the analysis of categorical variables. Results: Weak to moderate negative correlations were primarily observed, indicating that higher indices of masticatory muscle bioelectrical activity were associated with better postural balance, with distinct correlation patterns identified across different TMD subtypes. Conclusions: This exploratory study identified multiple correlations between masticatory muscle activity and postural or balance parameters, suggesting possible subtype-specific patterns in TMDs. However, the evidence remains preliminary and should be interpreted with caution, warranting further confirmatory and longitudinal research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Approaches to Temporomandibular Disorders)
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