INGRID PEROZ* (Department of Dental Prosthetics and oral Gerontology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany)
Temporomandibular Disorders content a number of different disorders, in which the symptoms overlap. It is therefore difficult to make a definite diagnosis. Furthermore the assignment of symptoms to a special diagnosis implies, that there exist scientifically verified diagnosis, which can sufficiently and exactly be differentiated. Therefore the information from the case history, the clinical functional examination and the results of treatment of 221 patients were coded and computer aided evaluated. Based on the clinical examination a diagnosis for treatment was made. Three groups of diagnosis were presupposed:
1. Muscle disorders with and without limitation of the mouth opening,
2. Anterior disc displacement with and without reduction and
3. Joint disorders like arthritis, arthrosis, hypermobility and compression of the temporo-mandibular joint.
It was evaluated, if it is possible to differentiate the presupposed diagnosis by symptoms or data of case history. The symptoms were weighted to draw conclusions about the data so as to which examinations have to be ascertained absolutely and which data, examinations or complaints are secondary.