Electromyographic examination in temporomandibular disorders – evaluation protocol

Correspondence to: Cristiane Rodrigues Pedroni Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba Departamento de Morfologia Avenida Limeira, 901 Bairro Areião CEP. 13414-903 – Piracicaba – SP Phone: (19) 3412-5336 E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Surface electromyography has been a useful tool for physicians and investigators to evaluate and diagnose temporomandibular disorders, to examine the role of masticatory muscles in specific tasks, and to verify the effect of therapeutic resources in temporomandibular disorders patients. However, the lack of standardization of the methods and equipment used during the surface electromyography examination has been the target of criticism among researchers. The purpose of this article is to describe the materials, equipment and surface electromyography protocol used to evaluate temporomandibular disorders patients at the Piracicaba Dental School University of Campinas –Brazil. This experimental protocol is used successfully in the majority of cases seen in Electromyography Laboratory at Piracicaba Dental School.