Ultrasound measurements of superficial and deep masticatory muscles in various postures: reliability and influencers
Overview
Paper Summary
Ultrasound reliably measures the thickness of superficial and deep masticatory muscles, including the lateral pterygoid. Age and BMI are positively associated with muscle thickness, while female sex is inversely associated; laterality shows minimal influence.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists found a special way (using sound waves) to measure how big the muscles in your jaw are. They learned that older and heavier people often have bigger jaw muscles, while girls often have smaller ones.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no competing interests, although funding from medical organizations related to ultrasound and dentistry might subtly influence the findings. Additional scrutiny and independent replication are necessary to establish bias-free interpretation of the data.
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
The research demonstrates excellent reliability of ultrasound in measuring masticatory muscle thickness in various jaw positions, including the previously unmeasured lateral pterygoid muscle. This offers a less expensive, portable, and real-time alternative to MRI. While the study acknowledges limitations like the cross-sectional design and lack of symptomatic individuals, its rigorous methodology and novel findings warrant a strong rating. Potential, though undeclared, conflicts of interest are noted in relation to funding sources.
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