Modified stethoscope for auscultation oftemporomandibular joint sounds

摘要

>Background: Purpose of this study was to modify the stethoscope which can auscultate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds more precisely than conventional stethoscope, and fabrication of stethoscope compatible software which analyses the auscultated sound and gives documentary evidence of that analysis in the form of graph. >Materials & Methods: The conventional stethoscope was modified by attaching a custom made soundscope with a recording device which can be placed in external auditory meatus (EAM) for auscultation of TMJ sounds. When this small and smooth end of custom made soundscope of modified stethoscope is placed in EAM & connected with specially developed software it records the TMJ sounds & analyzes them in form of graph. >Results: Fabrication of modified stethoscope with software records theauscultated sound as a sound wave in form of graph and analysesthis sound wave graph to give graphic evidence of prominentintensity at prominent frequency as spectrum analysis graph, andduration of that sound as a sound length graph.>Conclusion:The use of modified stethoscope with software increases theaccuracy of auscultation of TMJ sounds without any patient’sdiscomfort and helps in diagnosis of TMJ disorders. The modifiedstethoscope with software for auscultation of TMJ sounds results inmore precise auscultation & analysis of TMJ for sounds evenof low intensity & frequency.>How to cite the article:Dagar SR, Turakiya V, Pakhan AJ, Jaggi N, Kalra A, Vaidya V.Modified stethoscope for auscultation of temporomandibular jointsounds. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(2):40-4.