Journal of dental research
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This study tested whether persons with TMJ arthralgia have a modality-specific and site-specific hypersensitivity to somatosensory stimuli assessed by quantitative sensory tests (QST). Forty-three healthy persons and 20 with TMJ arthralgia participated. The QST consisted of: sensory and pain detection thresholds and summation threshold to intra-articular electrical stimulation, tactile and pin-prick sensitivity in the TMJ area, pressure-pain threshold and tolerance on the lateral side of the TMJ and on the finger. ⋯ Correlation analysis revealed associations between several QST and clinical pain measures. This study provides new evidence of sensitization of the TMJs as well as central nociceptive pathways. QST may facilitate a mechanism-based classification of temporomandibular disorders.