Coxalgia and temporomandibular disorders: a case report

Abstract

Background: Although the occlusal equilibration in bite plate-induced occlusal position has been reported to be effective in resolving temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related symptoms, it still remains unclear whether coxalgia is included in those TMD-related symptoms. Method and Findings: Occlusal equilibration was performed for a TMD patient with coxalgia. First, painful symptoms were relieved by appliance therapy. Subsequently, occlusal analysis was performed on the patient by mounting dental models mounted on an articulator and identifying a deviation of the occlusal position from the bite plate-induced occlusal position (BPOP). Occlusal equilibration to the BPOP was performed for the patient by selective tooth grinding. On treatment completion, the occlusal position was shifted 1 mm forward on the left side and 1 mm backward on the right side from the previous habitual occlusal position. The TMD-related symptoms (temporomandibular joint clicking and pain) were resolved, and left coxalgia disappeared. Conclusion: Coxalgia is thought to be included in TMD-related symptoms.