Experience of using an integrated approach in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction

The article presents a clinical case of the diagnostics and treatment of the temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) in patient after orthodontic treatment. The hypertonia of masticatory muscles, limit of mouth opening and deviation of the jawbone to the right were observed during physical examination. Adhesion of the disk to the articular tubercle of the right temporal bone was detected on MRI. Hyperrotation of the articular head and the deviation of the jawbone to the right were observed on the charts during axiography. Disappearing of the feeling of heaviness in the right TMJ, free mouth opening, absence of deviation symptom, and the reduction of the rigidity of the masseter muscles were observed on the basis of diagnostic examinations after treatment. Presented clinical experience lets us make a conclusion that it is necessary to prescribe taking axiography and MRI during diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Ultrasound Imaging of Head/Neck Muscles and Their Fasciae: An Observational Study

Background: Masticatory muscle thickness provides objective measurements of the temporomandibular motor function, which may change in patients with oral myofascial pain. Moreover, they are considered as being part of the craniocervical unit by a crucial relationship with cervical muscles and their fasciae. In this study, we aimed to assess by ultrasound (US) imaging the fasciae of the masseter, temporal, and sternocleidomastoid muscles to understand their mean thickness and eventual variation in relationship with the muscles, sides, and sex.Methods: We studied 16 healthy volunteers without temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Concerning each subject were evaluated the range of motion of the temporomandibular joint and of the neck, the thickness of muscles and their fasciae of both sides, and the delta of muscle thickness.Results: All the motor evaluations of the subjects showed normal ranges. The US results showed that the fasciae have a mean thickness of 0.50 ± 0.1 mm, which did not change during muscle contraction. The evaluated muscles presented a symmetry between right and left (p > 0.05), even if the delta of muscle (US) thickness had a huge range between different subjects, for example in the masseter muscle from 0.7 to 4.2 mm.Conclusions: Ultrasound imaging is a suitable and reliable tool to study the muscles and fasciae of the head and neck region, permitting also the evaluation of the ability of the muscles to contract. Finally, identifying functional asymmetry that could become symptomatic, US imaging could allow an early rehabilitation treatment.

Hand-Carried Ultrasonography Instrumentation in the Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Internal derangement (ID) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is defined as a mechanical problem of the joint that interferes with its function. It is attributed to an abnormal interaction among the articular disc, condyle, and joint eminence. The aim of this study is to evaluate diagnostic efficacy of non-invasive hand-carried ultrasonography instrumentation (US) to provide high-level images for a correct diagnosis of ID. Twenty-eight ID patients, 15 female and 13 males, were examined both clinically and by MRI images in order to achieve a diagnosis of ID (using Helkimo index). Then, they were submitted to US examination with a 12 MHz transducer by using hand-carried instrumentation by a clinician that was blind to their diagnosis and clinical data. TMJ US examination was performed with the mouth closed and mouth open, with proper technique. Each position was then evaluated with two different orientations of the transducer. US showed acceptable results in identifying bone structures. Lower values of diagnostic efficacy were obtained for disc position during joint movements with respect to MRI images. MRI still represents the gold standard for the identification of joint structures. If not corroborated by clinical and anamnestic data, the diagnostic efficacy of US in identifying the position of the disc during opening and closing jaw movements appears limited than compared to MRI.

The Law of Minimum Vertical Dimension: Evidence for Improvement of Dental Occlusion

The law of minimum vertical dimension (MVD) states that “when the mandible moves to reach the maximum intercuspal position, this always involves bringing the mandible and maxilla as close together as possible.” Therefore, after the first occlusal contact is made, the MIP will be reached through reduction of the vertical dimension. Our objective of this study, through an integrative review of the literature review, was to determine whether ignoring this law is a factor that contributes to malocclusion, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and recurrences of functional orthodontic and orthopedic treatments.We conducted a search of the literature in five of the main electronic scientific databases. The following medical subject heading terms were used in our search: centric relation, dental occlusion, malocclusion, vertical dimension, and mastication. We cross-referenced the descriptors in the following four groups: centric relation and maximum intercuspation; occlusal plane and malocclusion; neuro-occlusal rehabilitation; and vertical dimension and unilateral chewing. From this, we selected 277 potentially eligible articles. Out of these, 209 were excluded in accordance with the exclusion criteria already described. Thus, 65 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis.The articles were also classified according to their impact factor and degree of recommendation, in conformity with the table of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The scientific interest in the scope of the articles was also assessed by using three charts developed according to year and country of publication and the percentage of publication. Unilateral chewing creates a vicious cycle of damage that leads to an ever-increasing masticatory deficiency. Most of the articles chosen for this review confirmed that noncompliance with law of MVD was a predisposing factor in cases of relapse, in functional orthodontic and orthopedic treatments, as well as a causal factor in malocclusion and in functional and morphological TMJ dysfunctions.

A Research Protocol on Effectiveness of Sub Occipital Myofacial Release on Functional Disability in Temporomandibular Dysfunction with Neck Pain: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is one of commonest joint that gets affected in females, studies shows that the altered posture of cervical spine lead to mandibular retrusion and hence in long term leads to Temporomandibular dysfunction, the tightness of sub-occipital muscle leads to pulling of the ligaments around the joint in course causing retrusion or malocclusion. The common symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction includes clicking, reduced mouth opening, headache. Alteration in the function of TMJ leads to poor quality of life of the individual as this joint is involved in basic activities like talking, eating, laughing and kissing. The sub-occipital muscles are the group of muscle extending from spinous process of C2 vertebrae to inferior nuchal line of occipital bone. Tightness of this muscle lead to extension of upper cervical spine and flexion of lower cervical spine. The common causes of temporomandibular dysfunction includes injury to jaw, overuse, inflammatory condition like arthritis and bruxism. Our aim is to find out the efficacy of sub-occipital Myofacial Release versus conventional physiotherapy on functional disability of TMJ. The clinical trial registry-India (CTRI) registration number for this trial is CTRI/2021/05/033493. Methodology: In this study the total of 60 patients with mild to moderate Temporomandibular dysfunction with neck pain were divided into two group one group received MFR and other group received stretching exercises followed by conventional physiotherapy. The treatment was given for two week 5 session in each week. The assessment was done at day one of treatment and the end of first week and at the end of second week. Discussion: This study was done to find out the effectiveness of suboccipital Myofacial release and stretching exercises in mild to moderate Temporomandibular joint dysfunction with neck pain. Conclusion: Conclusion of the study can be made based on the effect of both technique on functional disability in patient with mild to moderate TMD and opt for more specific treatment for rehabilitation of patient with TMD.

Diagnosis and management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction before surgery: a case report

We present a case of colorectal cancer with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and discuss the management of the case. Type IIIb temporomandibular disorder involves anterior dislocation of the articular disk, trismus and difficult intubation. A 68-year-old woman was scheduled for colectomy. The day before surgery, the patient had temporomandibular pain. On examination, the mouth opening was 13 mm. We diagnosed type IIIb temporomandibular disorder. A simple splint was fabricated with gauze and she bit it. The mouth opening was 55 mm on the day of surgery. The pain disappeared, and intubation was uneventful. Temporomandibular disorders are generally treated by dentists. It is beneficial for general hospitals without a dentistry department to employ a dental anaesthesiologist to assist in potentially difficult intubations in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

518 A Comparison of Outcomes After Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Injections into The TMJ After Arthroscopy and Arthrocentesis

Introduction Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) affects 12% of the population, with up to 5% seeking help for their symptoms. Minimally invasive TMJ surgery techniques have been harnessed by Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons to directly visualise joint pathology, facilitate joint arthrocentesis and enable safe injection of analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents into the joint space. This study compares outcomes after injection of either morphine or protein-rich plasma (PRP) after TMJ arthroscopy and arthrocentesis. Method Consecutive patients between 2017-2020 undergoing either morphine or PRP injections after TMJ arthroscopy and arthrocentesis were retrospectively reviewed. Basic demographics and Wilkes score were noted. All patients underwent a trial of conservative management prior to any surgical intervention. Pre- and post-operative mouth opening was measured objectively (mm), while pre- and post-operative pain scores were noted using standard subjective pain scores (1-10). Results 31 patients underwent TMJ injections with morphine (n = 18) or PRP (n = 13) after TMJ arthroscopy and arthrocentesis. Both groups showed a significant reduction in subjective pain scores post-operative ( p < 0.05). Patients receiving PRP injections showed greater mouth opening scores (4.0mm change in MO for PRP vs 1.7mm change in MO for morphine) . Conclusions PRP shows to be as effective in pain management of patients with TMJD undergoing arthroscopy and arthrocentesis as morphine. The increase in mouth opening in patients receiving PRP injection could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory potential of PRP. These findings suggest that further evaluation of the benefits of PRP use in TMJD is warranted.