Assessment of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and the position of pelvis

Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine potential correlation between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions and the pelvis asymmetry. Material and methods. The study included 36 participants. The average age was 20,7 years, (19-25), 21 women (58%) and 15 men (42%). All persons were examined according to selfdesigned protocol involving diagnosis of temporomandibular joints, cervical spine and pelvic symmetry. All examined students were right handed and right-legged. Results. After the preliminary analysis the following subgroups were selected: a group with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions (n=30), with pelvic asymmetry (n=28) and the group with both dysfunctions appearing alternately (n=14). Then they were statistically analyzed for correlation between the examined groups. In the examined group, no statistical correlations were found between temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and asymmetry of pelvis. The range of mandible active motions was similar for the subgroup with temporomandibular dysfunctions and subgroup with the pelvis asymmetry. Similarly, palpation tests diagnosing pelvis position and movement showed no significant difference between the examined groups. Conclusions. Dysfunctions of temporomandibular joints or asymmetry of pelvis were found in the majority of the physiotherapy students( 83%). Among half of the group the temporomandibular joints dysfunctions and the pelvis position disorders occurred alternately.