Evaluation of temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles in fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional ultrasonographic study
Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, cilt.83, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 83
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.msksp.2026.103548
- Dergi Adı: Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Fibromyalgia, Masticatory muscle thickness, Temporomandibular joint, Ultrasonography
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles, which are likely to be affected in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), have not been objectively evaluated together previously. The aim of this study was to compare sonographic measurements of TMJ and masticatory muscle thickness between FM patients and healthy controls, and to evaluate the relationship between these parameters and clinical features. Methods The study included 38 patients with FM and 38 healthy controls. The thickness of the masticatory muscles (masseter and temporalis) and TMJ disc space were evaluated bilaterally using ultrasonography, and the mean values of both sides were used for analysis. The severity of FM was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), anxiety with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, depression with the Beck Depression Inventory, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the presence and severity of temporomandibular disorder with the Fonseca Anamnestic Index. Results Both at rest and during maximal jaw clenching, the mean sonographic thickness of the masseter and temporalis muscles was significantly thicker in the FM group compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). The mean sonographic thickness of the closed-mouth TMJ disc space was also significantly thicker in the FM group (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the masseter muscle thickness at rest and FIQ. Conclusion This study showed that the masticatory muscles and TMJ disc space of patients with FM were thicker compared to healthy controls, and increased masseter muscle thickness was associated with poorer quality of life.