Faculty Bibliography

The role of occlusal factors in the etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is reviewed. The rediscovery of TMD by J.B. Costen in 1934 and the origin of this concept are historically linked. Difficulties in scientifically studying TMD are addressed. TMD lacks specific indicators (signs and symptoms), are episodic and respond to placebos. Clinical success with specific literature (experimental, epidemiological and clinical studies) reviewed fails to support the concept that occlusal factors play a significant role in the etiology of TMD. The remodeling capacity of the temporomandibular joint demonstrates that the joint can accommodate and adapt to various occlusal conditions

A case report of a daughter and mother with the oral-facial digital syndrome, type I, is presented. The features were variable between the two cases. The daughter had a previously unreported feature, ridging of the metopic suture. Hand-wrist radiographs of both the patient and mother demonstrated a normal trabeculation pattern, contradicting the suggestion of Anneren et al (1984) that irregular mineralization of the hands is pathognomonic for the OFD I syndrome

An impression procedure for the neonatal patient with a cleft palate is described. The procedure has been used at Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City, for the past 10 years and has been proved safe, reliable, and precise