Endotracheal Intubation as a Risk Factor for Temporomandibular Disorders

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determinate if endotracheal intubation cause miofascial pain, disc displacement and/or arthralgia. Methods: 20 subjects who were intubated from surgery at the public Hospital of Guadalajara Mexico participated in this study. According to RDC/TMD protocol examination three evaluations were done, one before and two after surgery (24 hrs and 4 weeks) Results: 16 females and 4 males with a range of age between 24 and 61 years old(mean 37.9 )Tere were no statistical differences between miofascial pain, disc displacement or arthralgia in pre and post-operative mesurements according TMD/RDC examination protocol. On the contrary significant differences in mandibular range of motion was found p<0.5. Conclusions: This study suggests that endotracheal intubation is not a risk factor for the development of short term miofascial pain, disc displacement and/or arthralgia.