Ümit ERKUT, Hasan BİNGÖL
Anatolian Current Medical Journal - 2026;8(3):538-543
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<0.001; left: r=0.94, p<0.001). Negative correlations were observed between masseter thickness and neck disability (NDI: r=-0.71 to -0.75, p<0.001). The highest correlation coefficients were observed between masseter thickness and TMD risk (FAI scores) (right: r =-0.85; left: r=-0.82; p<0.001). In contrast, correlations with cervical ROM were low and not statistically significant (r=-0.18 to 0.22, 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.
