Effect of impact and injury characteristics on post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the potential effects of motor vehicle accident impact and injury characteristics on post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders in terms of presenting signs and symptoms, diagnoses, treatment regimens, and outcomes.

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review of 50 patients with post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders from a private oral medicine practice was undertaken. Various demographic data and data related to temporomandibular disorders and motor vehicle accident impact and injury characteristics were collected. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests and multiple regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Patients involved in front-end collisions or motor vehicle accidents resulting in severe vehicle damage reported more direct orofacial injury. However, those in rear-end collisions or accidents resulting in minimal vehicle damage required more treatment. Direct head or orofacial injury was therefore not a prognostic indicator. From multiple regression analyses, indicators of a poorer prognosis were minimal vehicle damage, lack of headrest use, driver position, and settlement of insurance claim.

CONCLUSIONS

In this patients group several prognostic indicators for patients with post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders were identified; these indicators may influence the management approach for this patient population.