Temporomandibular joint dysfunction in Moebius Syndrome

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

Moebius syndrome is a rare condition characterised by bilateral facial and abducens nerve paralysis. In the present
study, it was investigated the effect of the long term facial muscles hypoactivity on temporomandibular joint movements development.

Methods

Accordiny with Terzis classification (Terzis, 2003), a wide sample of A type and B type Moebius patients was investigated
for mandibular range of movements. Moebius patients were compared with a sample of healthy subjects.

Results

Both type A and
type B Moebius patients develop a severe articular movement reduction, especially during mouth opening. A highly significant difference
was found between Moebius patients and the healthy group. No difference was found between A and B Moebius sub-samples.

Conclusion

The authors stress the importance of an early adequate rehabilitation of Moebius patients, in order to avoid the
limitation of TMJ movement range.

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