Temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMJD) are common conditions with a substantial public health burden. Although TMJD patients commonly have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) intra- articular disorders, including disc displacement (DD) and osteoarthritis (OA), the clinical significance of these disorders and their causal relationship to persistent jaw pain and dysfunction are poorly understood. The recently completed Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Validation Project (U01 DEO13331) demonstrated that 1) TMJ imaging is required to diagnose TMJ intra-articular disorders;and 2) cross-sectional data show that radiographically diagnosed DD and OA are significantly associated with jaw pain, jaw functional limitations and disability. It is therefore critical that we assess longitudinally whether these cross-sectional findings can be supported. Given that the available Validation Project cohort was assembled at a cost of $8.2 million, it is unlikely that there will be another similar cohort in the future to investigate the question, one of great significance to the public health: Are TMJ intra-articular disorders causally related to patient-reported outcomes of jaw pain intensity, jaw function and disability? Study participants will be recalled from the Validation Project cohort 9 years after their initial comprehensive examination was completed. Their physical status will be re-assessed, and progression of their intra-articular joint diagnoses will be measured by comparing bilateral TMJ MRI and CT at follow-up to baseline imaging. The subjects'psychosocial status will also be re-assessed along with the primary outcome measures of pain intensity, jaw functional limitations, and disability that are core domains recommended for assessment by Initiative on Methods, Measurement and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT). The study will assess when, and under what circumstances, intra-articular disorders progress and whether this progression is associated with increased jaw pain, jaw limitations and disability. We will also determine, as a secondary aim, which baseline biological and psychosocial factors are predictors for progression of TMJ DD and OA at follow-up. The ultimate goal is to determine the degree to which progressive change in intra-articular disorders contributes to pain and dysfunction outcomes, within the context of the biopsychosocial model. This project will provide knowledge necessary for development of evidence-based guidelines for TMJD diagnosis and management, as well as contribute to cost effective imaging and elimination of unnecessary diagnostic radiation.

Public Health Relevance

It has been estimated that approximately 5-10% of the US population will seek care for temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMJD) in their lifetime. Approximately 50% of those seeking care still have pain 5 years later and 15%-20% develop long-term (5+ yrs) disability. Intra-articular disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including disc displacement (DD) and osteoarthritis (OA), occur in a majority of TMJD patients with these jaw problems. We do not understand why most adapt to these problems and some develop severe pain and substantial disability. This study will determine the longitudinal impact of TMJ DD and OA on patient-reported outcomes of jaw pain, jaw functional limitations and disability.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Research Project--Cooperative Agreements (U01)
Project #
1U01DE019784-01A2
Application #
8106750
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDE1-MK (10))
Program Officer
Denucci, D J
Project Start
2011-07-13
Project End
2014-06-30
Budget Start
2011-07-13
Budget End
2012-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$2,494,554
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
555917996
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455
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Schiffman, Eric; Ohrbach, Richard (2016) Executive summary of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders for clinical and research applications. J Am Dent Assoc 147:438-45
Ahmad, Mansur; Schiffman, Eric L (2016) Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Orofacial Pain. Dent Clin North Am 60:105-24
Ohrbach, R; Dworkin, S F (2016) The Evolution of TMD Diagnosis: Past, Present, Future. J Dent Res 95:1093-101
Schiffman, Eric; Ohrbach, Richard; Truelove, Edmond et al. (2014) Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and Research Applications: recommendations of the International RDC/TMD Consortium Network* and Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group†. J Oral Facial Pain Headache 28:6-27