Functional outcomes and masticatory muscle thickness changes following temporomandibular joint surgery: A prospective cohort study
Szikszay N, Pitak-Arnnop P, Landes CA (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 127
Article Number: 102867
Journal Issue: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2026.102867
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate functional outcomes and changes in masticatory muscle thickness (MT) following surgical management of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). Methods: This prospective cohort study included patients undergoing surgical treatment for unilateral TMDs at a German tertiary referral centre over a 10-year period. The primary predictor variable was surgical intervention (preoperative vs. postoperative status). Primary outcomes included mandibular function, pain intensity, and MT changes assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The cohort comprised 61 patients (78.7% female; mean age, 40.9 ± 16.2 years [range, 15–74]). Osteoarthritis was the most common indication (59%), followed by posttraumatic joint disease (39.3%) and ankylosis (1.6%). Arthroplasty was performed in 63.9% of patients, total joint replacement in 32.8%, and arthroscopy with arthrocentesis in 3.3%. Postoperatively, 91.8% of patients reported improved mandibular function. Mean maximum mouth opening significantly increased to 36.4 ± 8.4 mm, with significant gains in lateral excursion (8.9 ± 4.3 mm ipsilaterally; 8.7 ± 4.1 mm contralaterally). Protrusion showed a non-significant increase (0.65 mm). MT decreased in 90.2% of patients. Pain scores declined from 6.2 ± 0.7 to 1.4 ± 0.5, with 85% reporting improvement. Overall patient satisfaction was 90%. No major complications were observed, except for one infection requiring prosthesis revision. Conclusion: TMJ surgery is associated with significant improvements in function and pain. The observed reduction in MT may reflect postoperative adaptation following restoration of joint mechanics, although the underlying neuromuscular and biological mechanisms cannot be determined from the present data.
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Szikszay, N., Pitak-Arnnop, P., & Landes, C.A. (2026). Functional outcomes and masticatory muscle thickness changes following temporomandibular joint surgery: A prospective cohort study. Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 127(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jormas.2026.102867
MLA:
Szikszay, Niklas, Poramate Pitak-Arnnop, and Constantin Alexander Landes. "Functional outcomes and masticatory muscle thickness changes following temporomandibular joint surgery: A prospective cohort study." Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 127.6 (2026).
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