Abstract
Aims: To describe the subjectively perceived symptoms and frequency of the objective signs of the mandibular dysfunction and their severity by using Helkimo index ,age distribution and their relation to sex. Materials and methods: This study includes 450 TMDs patients, who admitted to TMJ clinic at college of dentistry in Mosul City, Helkimo index was used to assess the symptoms and signs of the TMDs and their severity. Results: It was found that TMDs most frequently affected the age group 21– 30 years. TMJ sounds (Clicking and Crepitation) were found as the most frequent symptoms (71.5%) followed by difficulty in opening (29.3%). No sex difference in relation to TMJ sounds was found p>0.05. Impaired TMJ function was the most prevalent sign (82.6%). No sex difference in relation to ITF was found p>0.05. Concerning the distribution of the patients according to Ai (Anamenstic dysfunction index). It was found that 51patients (11.3%) were symptoms free (Ai0), 169 patients (37.5%) reported mild symptoms (AiI) and 230 patients (51.1%) complained from severe symptoms (AiII). No significant sex difference in relation to Ai was found p>0.05. Regarding the distribution of the patients in relation to Di (Clinical dysfunction index).This study reveals that 7 patients (1.5%) were sign free (Di0), 114 patients (25.3%) with mild signs (DiI), 172 patients (38.2%) with moderate signs (DiII)and 157 patients (34.8%) with severe signs (DiIII). No significant sex difference in relation to clinical dysfunction index (Di) p>0.05 was found in this study. Conclusions: The age 21–30 years consider the high risk age group. The TMJ sounds were the most frequent symptoms. Severe symptoms (Ai II) and signs (DiIII) represents high percentages (51.1%) and (34.4%) respectively in a patients with TMDs in Mosul City.
