Evaluation of the effect of temporomandibular joint disorders on craniocervical posture: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of TMDs on craniocervical posture by assessing head-shoulder angle asymmetry and craniovertebral angle (CVA).

SETTINGS AND

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study involving individuals with and without clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Eighty-two participants were divided into a test group (n = 41) with TMD signs and a control group (n = 41). TMDs were assessed using a structured questionnaire and the Diagnostic Criteria/TMD (2014) criteria. Postural evaluation included photographic analysis of head-shoulder angle asymmetry using GNU Image Manipulation Program software and CVA measurement using a goniometer.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and Spearman's correlation.

RESULTS

FHP was more prevalent among participants with TMD (57.5%), with a mean CVA of 49.37° ± 3.90° compared to controls (25%), which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean asymmetry in head-shoulder angle was 5.62° ± 1.32° in the TMD group and 1.03° ± 0.89° in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

TMDs are associated with increased head-shoulder asymmetry and FHP. These findings highlight the importance of postural assessment in TMD management.