Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify and correlate myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in the masticatory muscles, using thermography and algometry. Methods: 26 female volunteers were recruited. The surface facial area over the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles was divided into 15 subareas on each side (n 5 780). This investigation consisted of three steps. The first step involved thermographic facial examination, using lateral views. The second step involved the pressure pain threshold (PPT), marking the MTP pattern areas for referred pain (n 5 131) and local pain (n 5 282) with a coloured pencil, and a photograph of the lateral face with the head in the same position as the infrared imaging. The last step was the fusion of these two images, using dedicated software (ReporterH 8.5-SP3 Professional Edition and QuickReportH 1.2, FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, OR); and the calculation of the temperature of each point. Results: PPT levels measured at the points of referred pain in MTPs (1.28 ¡ 0.45 kgf) were significantly lower than the points of local pain in MTPs (1.73 ¡ 0.59 kgf; p , 0.05). Infrared imaging indicated differences between referred and local pain in MTPs of 0.5 u C (p , 0.05). Analysis of the correlation between the PPT and infrared imaging was done using the Spearman non-parametric method, in which the correlations were positive and moderate (0.4 # r , 0.7). The sensitivity and specificity in MTPs were 62.5% and 71.3%, respectively, for referred pain, and 43.6% and 60.6%, respectively, for local pain. Conclusion: Infrared imaging measurements can provide a useful, non-invasive and nonionizing examination for diagnosis of MTPs in masticatory muscles.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the facial areas defined by thermal gradient, in individuals compatible with the pattern of normality, and to quantify and describe them anatomically. Methods: The sample consisted of 161 volunteers, of both genders, aged between 26 and 84 years (63 ± 15 years). Results:The results demonstrated that the thermal gradient areas suggested for the study were present in at least 95% of the thermograms evaluated and that there is significant difference in temperature between the genders, racial group and variables "odontalgia", "dental prothesis" and "history of migraine" (p , 0.05). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in the absolute temperatures between ages, and right and left sides of the face, in individuals compatible with the pattern of normality (DT 5 0.11°C). Conclusions: The authors concluded that according to the suggested areas of thermal gradients, these were present in at least 95% of all the thermograms evaluated, and the areas of high intensity found in the face were medial palpebral commissure, labial commissure, temporal, supratrochlear and external acoustic meatus, whereas the points of low intensity were inferior labial, lateral palpebral commissure and nasolabial.

Objectives: This study aims to conduct a non-invasive measurement of the cutaneous temperature of selected masticatory muscle regions of volunteers with and without myogenous temporomandibular disorder (TMD), using infrared thermography. Methods: 23 females (10 myogenous TMD volunteers and 13 controls) were recruited and studied. The temperature at the surface of the facial area over the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles was assessed by medical thermography, using regional lateral views and clinical examination. Results: The temperature levels measured at the masseter and anterior temporalis muscle regions in myogenous TMD volunteers (32.85 ± 0.85 and 34.37 ± 0.64 ºC, respectively) were significantly lower (p , 0.05) than those measured in controls (33.49 ± 0.92 and 34.78 ± 0.44 ºC, respectively). Medical infrared imaging indicated a mean difference of 1.4 ºC between the masseter and anterior temporalis regions. Analysis of the comparison between the absolute and normalized mean temperatures was performed using the pairwise comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves, and no statistically significant difference was observed (p . 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of the thermographic assessment for the masseter region was of 70% and 73%, respectively and for the anterior temporalis region was of 80% and 62%, respectively. Conclusions: This method of evaluating masticatory muscle regions of this preliminary study seems to indicate that it can be used as an aid in complimentary diagnosing of TMDs. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2014) 43, 20130440. doi: 10.1259 Cite this article as: Haddad DS, Brioschi ML, Vardasca R, Weber M, Crosato EM, Arita ES. Thermographic characterization of masticatory muscle regions in volunteers with and without myogenous temporomandibular disorder: preliminary results.

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Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a disorder linked to the chromosome X long arm (Xq27.3), which is identified by a constriction named fragile site. It determines various changes, such as behavioral or emotional problems, learning difficulties, and intellectual disabilities. Craniofacial abnormalities such as elongated and narrow face, prominent forehead, broad nose, large and prominent ear pavilions, strabismus, and myopia are frequent characteristics. Regarding the oral aspects, deep and high-arched palate, mandibular prognathism, and malocclusion are also observed.Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dental radiographic characteristics as described in 40 records of patients with panoramic radiography.Material and Methods:The patients were in the range of 6–17 years old, and were divided into two groups (20 subjects who were compatible with the normality standard and 20 individuals diagnosed with the FXS), which were matched for gender and age. Analysis of the panoramic radiographic examination involved the evaluation of dental mineralization stage, mandibular angle size, and presence of dental anomalies in both deciduous and permanent dentitions.Results:The results of radiographic evaluation demonstrated that the chronology of tooth eruption of all third and second lower molars is anticipated in individuals with FXS (p<0.05). In this group, supernumerary deciduous teeth (2.83%), giroversion of permanent teeth (2.31%), and partial anodontia (1.82%) were the most frequent dental anomalies. In addition, an increase was observed in the mandibular angle size in the FXS group (p<0.05).Conclusion:We conclude that knowledge of dental radiographic changes is of great importance for dental surgeons to plan the treatment of these individuals.