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Journals / Anatolian Current Medical Journal / 2026 / Volume: 8 Issue: 3

Ultrasonographic assessment of masseter muscle thickness and its association with TMD risk, neck disability, and mouth opening: a cross-sectional study

Ümit Erkut(İSTANBUL RUMELİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-5889-4495
Hasan Bingöl(BINGOL UNIVERSITY)0000-0003-3185-866X
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-05-22
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These findings support the clinical value of masseter morphology as a potential indicator of cervicomandibular functional impairment.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Aims: This study aims to examine the associations between muscle thickness (MMT) and the risk of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), as well as the relationship between MMT and neck disability, cervical range of motion, and maximum mouth opening (MMO).
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Key Findings & Data:Methods: Thirty adults (mean age: 30.3±7.2 years) underwent evaluation using B-mode ultrasonography (US) to measure bilateral MMT.
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Conclusion & Impact:These findings support the clinical value of masseter morphology as a potential indicator of cervicomandibular functional impairment.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Range of motion · masseter muscle · neck pain

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to examine the associations between muscle thickness (MMT) and the risk of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), as well as the relationship between MMT and neck disability, cervical range of motion, and maximum mouth opening (MMO). Methods: Thirty adults (mean age: 30.3±7.2 years) underwent evaluation using B-mode ultrasonography (US) to measure bilateral MMT. TMD risk was assessed using the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), neck-related disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and functional mobility was assessed using MMT and cervical range of motion (ROM) measurements. Spearman correlation analyses were performed. Results: MMT demonstrated positive correlations with MMO (right: r=0.91, p 0.05). Conclusion: MMT is linked to MMO and TMD risk. These findings support the clinical value of masseter morphology as a potential indicator of cervicomandibular functional impairment.

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Cite This Article

Erkut, Ü., Bingöl, H. (2026). Ultrasonographic assessment of masseter muscle thickness and its association with TMD risk, neck disability, and mouth opening: a cross-sectional study. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, Volume: 8 Issue: 3. https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1891709

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