Results of the Determining the Severity of Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction in Patients With Dentoalveolar Anomaly Using the M. Helkimo Method

Abstract

Subject. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a broad term used for a large number of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint and masseter muscles. Clinical methods for assessing the state of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles are subjective and do not fully assess the degree of impairment. In this regard, M. Helkimo in 1976 proposed an index of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint to assess the severity of functional disorders, which solves the current problem of determining the degree of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.
 The aim of the study was to assess the severity of symptoms of musculo-articular dysfunction in patients with dentoalveolar anomaly using the M. Helkimo method.
 Methodology. A questionnaire was conducted among patients aged 18―44 years with dentoalveolar anomalies using a questionnaire and a clinical study was carried out according to a single protocol. According to the method, anamnestic, clinical, occlusal indices were determined, and the range of motion of the lower jaw was assessed. When examining the state of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, the presence of crunching, clicks in the joint, pain on palpation was revealed, the trajectory and range of movements of the lower jaw were determined.
 Results. Our own observations and studies in this matter have shown that the most important indicators are the presence of displacement of the mandible from the posterior contact position to the central occlusion and articulation disorders, which, in turn, can serve as early precursors of the onset of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
 Conclusions. The M. Helkimo method allows the dentist to assess the degree of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint in a patient with a dentoalveolar anomaly without using additional instrumental diagnostic methods.