Comparative Evaluation and Co-relation of Difficult Airway and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder in Skeletal Class II Vertical Growth Pattern and Class-I Malocclusion – An Observational Study

Introduction: In the recent years it is observed that there has been increase in the no. of cases of Temporomandibular joint disorder and TMJ pain related problem, many of patients go undiagnosed and may transform into irreversible severe cases if the predisposing factors are present. There are different clinical and radiographical methods of diagnosing TMD cases, and one of the simplest ways to diagnose and categorize a Temporomandibular disorder is Helkimo index. The present study is encouraged to measure difficult airway, in Class II malocclusion with TMD.

Materials and Method: The observational study will be conducted in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics department, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Sawangi (M), Wardha in collaboration with department of Radiology, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Hospital. Sawangi (M), Wardha. Total 30 patient in age group of 20 to 50 years, will be selected from the patients coming to Out Patient Department (OPD) of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Wardha. MRI of patients with skeletal class II vertical growth pattern and class I malocclusion having temporomandibular joint disorder will be taken and then airway is to be evaluated.

Expected Results: It is expected that individuals with skeletal class II vertical growth pattern and class I malocclusion with temporomandibular joint disorder may have a compromised airway.

Conclusion: No such study has been carried out to evaluate co-relation of difficult airway and temporomandibular joint disorder. Thus, this study aims to evaluate it in skeletal class II vertical growth pattern and class I malocclusion.