Could lower leg Wartenberg test be used as a predictor of restrictions in temporomandibular joint movements in CP patients?

PURPOSE Patients with spasticity suffer not only from neurological problems but also from various dentistry problems due to spasticity of the jaw muscles. Measurements of motion in temporomandibular joints should reflect the amount of abnormal muscle tone of these muscles. The aim of this study was to find out if the measurements of temporomandibular joint movements performed with the ultrasound Zebris device are different in cerebral palsy patients than in healthy subjects; and to find out if the information on the degree of spasticity in the lower legs provided by the Wartenberg test could be used to predict the degree of spasticty in the jaw muscles. METHOD Twenty five healthy subjects and 25 cerebral palsy patients participated in the study. Two types of measurements were performed: temporomandibular movements measured with Zebris device, and instrumented Wartenberg test. RESULTS The laterotrusion and opening movements are different in CP patients than in healthy subjects. Laterotrusion movement correlates with velocity measured during the Wartenberg test. CONCLUSION This finding suggests that high spasticity in the lower legs could indicate jaw movement restrictions in CP patients.