Sport TMJ dysfunction. Case report Rodney Mason, BDSc(Qld), MDSc(Syd)*
The patient complained of a distressing left side temporomandibular joint pain and masseter spasm and pain after eating and at other times without apparent cause. He was a 16-year-oldtop cycling athlete who had recently completed retention supervision following orthodontic treatment (Fig. 1). He had a small maxilla, type class I11 skeletal dentition which had been treated to correct the severe upper arch crowding. This had progressed as planned and the early maturing young man was being observed sixmonthly for final mandibular growth and facial change when he attended with urgency because of jaw pain. The skeletal pattern and treatment had resulted in an incisor edge to edge occlusion that was now both hnctional and aesthetic. Some buccal cusp reshaping had been necessary to achieve multiple widely distributed and hnctional occldsal contacts.
*Orthodontist, Toowomba.
Questioned about habits and activities, the patient said that he was in training and often cycled long distances daily and frequently chewed muesli bars while riding. Further investigation revealed that extended lateral mandibular excursions were needed to ingest and chew the muesli bars while riding with a safety helmet chin strap in position. The patient said this caused no problems at the time and he did not think it likely to be a cause of his jaw pain (Fig. 2,3). After discussion the patient agreed to a two-week trial with a revised training programme that avoided ingestion of muesli bars while riding with a chin strap. At the next visit, two weeks later, the problem had disappeared and did not return. The patient also succeeded with his revised training schedule, went on to win championships, and is an Olympic Games contender. Address for correspondencdreprints: 305a Margaret Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350.
Fig. 1.-Patient with mild facial asymmetry, anterior edge to edge occlusion and severe sport TMJ dyshnaion. Fig. 2.- Jaw strap which restricted the jaw opening. Fig. 3.-Extreme closed lateral jaw movement needed to allow food intake. 472
Australian Dental Journal 1992;37(6):472.
The patient complained of a distressing left side temporomandibular joint pain and masseter spasm and pain after eating and at other times without apparent cause. He was a 16-year-oldtop cycling athlete who had recently completed retention supervision following orthodontic treatment (Fig. 1). He had a small maxilla, type class I11 skeletal dentition which had been treated to correct the severe upper arch crowding. This had progressed as planned and the early maturing young man was being observed sixmonthly for final mandibular growth and facial change when he attended with urgency because of jaw pain. The skeletal pattern and treatment had resulted in an incisor edge to edge occlusion that was now both hnctional and aesthetic. Some buccal cusp reshaping had been necessary to achieve multiple widely distributed and hnctional occldsal contacts.
*Orthodontist, Toowomba.
Questioned about habits and activities, the patient said that he was in training and often cycled long distances daily and frequently chewed muesli bars while riding. Further investigation revealed that extended lateral mandibular excursions were needed to ingest and chew the muesli bars while riding with a safety helmet chin strap in position. The patient said this caused no problems at the time and he did not think it likely to be a cause of his jaw pain (Fig. 2,3). After discussion the patient agreed to a two-week trial with a revised training programme that avoided ingestion of muesli bars while riding with a chin strap. At the next visit, two weeks later, the problem had disappeared and did not return. The patient also succeeded with his revised training schedule, went on to win championships, and is an Olympic Games contender. Address for correspondencdreprints: 305a Margaret Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350.
Fig. 1.-Patient with mild facial asymmetry, anterior edge to edge occlusion and severe sport TMJ dyshnaion. Fig. 2.- Jaw strap which restricted the jaw opening. Fig. 3.-Extreme closed lateral jaw movement needed to allow food intake. 472
Australian Dental Journal 1992;37(6):472.
