학술논문
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction following tonsillectomy
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences. Feb 01, 2002 27(1):57-60
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0307-7772
Abstract
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION FOLLOWING TONSILLECTOMY: We report a prospective, controlled trial to assess temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction following the use of a Boyle–Davis mouth gag during tonsillectomy. TMJ function was evaluated in patients undergoing tonsillectomy and a control group undergoing nasal surgery preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. The main outcome measures were symptoms and signs of TMJ dysfunction and interincisal distance. A mean reduction of 0.89 mm in interincisal distance (P < 0.01) was noted postoperatively in the tonsillectomy patients. There was no statistically significant reduction of interincisal distance in patients undergoing nasal surgery. There was a statistically significant reduction in interincisal distance in the post-tonsillectomy patients, caused by fibrous healing of the tonsillar bed or fibrous ankylosis of the TMJ.