Identification of patients at risk for unnecessary or excessive TMJ surgery.

Musculoskeletal pain in the head and neck may be associated with a variety of psychological and psychiatric conditions. Therefore, patients with persistent temporomandibular (TMJ) and masticatory muscle complaints must also be evaluated for affective disorders. Identification of patients at risk for unnecessary or excessive TMJ surgery is enhanced when the surgeon is aware of a pattern of persistent pain and illness insistence that characterizes these patients. This article presents a list of characteristics that may identify a patient with an undiagnosed affective disorder who may be exposed to unnecessary treatment.