Association of decrease in insula fMRI activation with changes in trait anxiety in patients with craniomandibular disorder (CMD).

Patients with chronic pain and especially with craniomandibular disorder (CMD) show specific psychopathology in trait anxiety. In a previous longitudinal functional imaging study on CMD we found that the anterior insula was modulated by successful therapy intervention and pain relief. We here intended to investigate possible associations between anterior insula fMRI-activation during occlusal movements and trait anxiety over a splint therapy approach in patients with CMD. Three fMRI-investigations of a craniomandibular occlusion task were performed together with pain score evaluations and scoring of trait anxiety (State -Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI) before, after two weeks and after three months of a DIR-mandibular splint therapy in a small group (n = 9) of CMD patients. Patients showed increased anxiety levels before therapy assessed with the STAI and the depression and anxiety scale (DASS). Besides of relevant reduction in pain the STAI decreased over time. Reduction in STAI was associated with anterior insular fMRI-activation reduction on both hemispheres. We conclude that the anxiety driven anticipation of pain related to occlusal trigger is processed in the anterior insula and might therefore be a main driver of therapeutic intervention by the splint therapy in CMD.

Automation and apps for clinical dental biomechanics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research summary is to introduce the current and ongoing work using smartphone video, tracking markers to measure musculoskeletal disorders of cranial and mandibular origin, and the potential significance of the technology to doctors and therapists. METHOD: The MPA™ biomechanical measuring apps are in beta trials with various doctors and therapists. The technique requires substantial image processing and statistical analysis, best suited to server-side processing. A smartphone environment has enabled a virtual laboratory, which provides automated generation of graphics and in some cases automated interpretation. The system enables highly accurate real-time biomechanics studies using only a smartphone and tracking markers. RESULT: Despite the technical challenges in setting up and testing of the virtual environment and with interpretation of clinical relevance, the trials have enabled a demonstration of real-time biomechanics studies. The technology has prompted a lot of discussion about the relevance of rapid assessment tools in clinical practice. It seems that a prior bias against motion tracking and its relevance is very strong with occlusion related use cases, yet there has been a general agreement about the use case for cranial movement tracking in managing complex issues related to the head, neck, and TMJ. DISCUSSION: Measurement of cranial and mandibular functions using a smartphone video as the input have been investigated. Ongoing research will depend upon doctors and therapists to provide feedback as to which uses are considered clinically relevant.

[Craniomandibular disorder/dysfunction. Characteristics and disorders of the masticatory organ]. / Craniomandibularis diszfunkció. A rágószerv sajátosságai és muködési zavarai.

The practising physician often meets patients with pain located in different parts of the face and facial skull, mouth opening restriction or other motion disorder of the mandible. It is not always easy to identify and explain the cause. It is not widely known among doctors that most of these problems are due to masticatory dysfunction. There is a special group of patients showing functional disorders and there are some others who present a variety of different symptoms and visit several doctors. The masticatory organ, a functional unit of the human organism has a definite and separate task and function. In the early years of life it is capable of adaptation, while later on it tends to compensation. The authors outline the functional anatomy of the masticatory organ and the characteristics of multicausal pathology, the dynamics of the process of the disease and their interdisciplinary aspects. They discuss the basic elements of craniomandibular dysfunction. Based on the diagnostic algorithm, they summarize treatment options for masticatory function disorders. They emphasize the importance that physicians should offer treatment, especially an irreversible treatment, without a diagnosis. It occurs very often that the causes are identified after the patients become symptom-free due to treatment. The aim of this report is to help the general practitioners, dentists, neurologists, ear-nose-throat specialists, rheumatologists or any other specialists in the everyday practice who have patients with different symptoms such as pain in the skull, acoustic phenomenon of the joint or craniomandibular dysfunction.

Influence of craniomandibular and cervical pain on the activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish the prevalence of pain in the craniomandibular and cervical spine region in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and to analyze the effects of these disorders on the bilateral activation of anterior temporalis (AT) and masseter (MA) muscles during the masticatory cycle. METHODS: The participants were 55 female volunteers aged 18-30 years. The presence of TMD and craniomandibular and cervical spine pain was evaluated by applying the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) questionnaire and using a combination of tests for the cervical region. The muscle activity of AT and MA during the masticatory cycle was assessed using the symmetry and antero-posterior coefficient indices. RESULTS: The AT activity during the masticatory cycle is more asymmetric in individuals with TMD. The craniomandibular pain, more prevalent in these individuals, influenced these results. CONCLUSION: Individuals with TMD showed changes in the pattern activity of AT. The craniomandibular nociceptive inputs can influence the increase in asymmetry of the activation of this muscle.

Influence of craniomandibular and cervical pain on the activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder / Influência da dor craniomandibular e cervical na atividade dos músculos mastigatórios em indivíduos com Disfunção Temporomandibular

Purpose: This study aimed to establish the prevalence of pain in the craniomandibular and cervical spine region in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and to analyze the effects of these disorders on the bilateral activation of anterior temporalis (AT) and masseter (MA) muscles during the masticatory cycle. Methods: The participants were 55 female volunteers aged 18–30 years. The presence of TMD and craniomandibular and cervical spine pain was evaluated by applying the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) questionnaire and using a combination of tests for the cervical region. The muscle activity of AT and MA during the masticatory cycle was assessed using the symmetry and antero-posterior coefficient indices. Results: The AT activity during the masticatory cycle is more asymmetric in individuals with TMD. The craniomandibular pain, more prevalent in these individuals, influenced these results. Conclusion: Individuals with TMD showed changes in the pattern activity of AT. The craniomandibular nociceptive inputs can influence the increase in asymmetry of the activation of this muscle. .

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de dor nas regiões craniomandibular e cervical em indivíduos com Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) e analisar o efeito dessas desordens na ativação bilateral dos músculos temporal anterior (TA) e masseter (MA) durante o ciclo mastigatório. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 55 voluntários do sexo feminino com idade de 18 a 30 anos. A presença de DTM e de dor craniomandibular e cervical foi avaliada por meio do questionário Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) e uma combinação de testes para a região cervical. A análise da ativação muscular do TA e MA durante o ciclo mastigatório foi realizada através dos índices de simetria e do coeficiente anteroposterior. Resultados: A atividade dos músculos TA, durante o ciclo mastigatório, é mais assimétrica em indivíduos com DTM. A dor craniomandibular, mais prevalente nesses indivíduos, influencia nesses resultados. Conclusão: Indivíduos com DTM apresentam alteração no padrão mastigatório do músculo TA e estímulos nociceptivos da região craniomandibular podem influenciar no aumento da assimetria de ativação dessa musculatura. .

Three-dimensional analysis of the cranio-cervico-mandibular complex during piano performance.

Piano players, as well as other musicians, spend a long time training to achieve the best results, sometimes adopting unnatural body positions that may cause musculoskeletal pain. This paper presents the preliminary results of a study targeting the analysis of the head and cervical postures of 17 piano players during musical performance. It was found, as a common feature, that the players tilt the head to the right and forward towards the score and keyboard. Players who know the score by heart tend to move their heads more compared to the ones who have to keep their eyes on the score.

Symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction in professional orchestra musicians.

BACKGROUND: Up to 80% of professional musicians are affected by playing-related musculoskeletal disorders, but data regarding the frequency of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) in professional orchestra musicians is scarce. AIMS: To evaluate the frequency of CMD and its relation to musculoskeletal pain in various body regions. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey approach assessing CMD symptoms and musculoskeletal pain in professional orchestra players was adopted. Relative prevalence rates and prevalence ratios for different instrument groups were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 408 musicians completed the questionnaire (response rate 57%). Playing-related pain in the teeth or jaw was reported by 19-47% of musicians and TMJ pain by 15-34%, depending on the instrument group. Current pain in the face indicating a painful CMD was reported in 6-10% and related symptoms such as teeth grinding in 25-34%, jaw clenching in 33-42% and jaw locking in 11-18% of musicians. Females were 2.4 times (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.49-3.84) more likely to report having had orofacial pain within the last month. Musicians reporting orofacial pain within the last month were 4.8 times (95% CI: 2.83-8.02) more likely to report pain in the neck and 2.5-3.8 times (P < 0.05) more likely to report pain in other body regions, including shoulders, right wrist, left fingers and the thoracic and lumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms suggesting CMD were common in this study of professional orchestra musicians and were associated with pain in the neck, shoulder and hands. There is a need to enhance awareness of CMD to optimize early medical diagnosis and treatment.

[Quantitative Sensory Testing in the facial area: a review]. / Quantitative Sensorische Testung im Gesichtsbereich - eine Übersicht.

Quantitative Sensory Testing is an established method to evaluate somatosensory function. In the facial area, the procedures depend on the localisation of disorders and the modalities of interest. The test stimuli are of thermal or mechanical nature (touch, pain, vibration, or pressure stimuli). According to the protocol of the German Neuropathic Pain Network, comprehensive information on the function of afferent nerves can be generated in the facial area as well. Standard values have been obtained for the cheek and intraoral mucosa. For various orofacial pain conditions, studies concerning the somatosensory function are available. Changed functional patterns are not limited to neuropathic pain, but also occur in other orofacial pain conditions, indicating, for example, central sensitisation. The standardised collection of QST parameters may improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of orofacial pain and effect therapeutic approaches. Comprehensive studies may lead to the development of specific screenings that are feasible in a clinical setting.

Correlation analysis of craniomandibular index and gothic arch tracing in patients with craniomandibular disorders.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Complex etiology and symptomatology of craniomandibular dysfunction make the diagnosing and therapy of this disorder more difficult. The aim of this work was to assess the value of clinical and instrumental functional analyses in diagnosing of this type of disorders. METHODS: In this study 200 subjects were examined, 15 with temporomandibular joint disorder. They were subjected to clinical functional analysis (Fricton-Shiffman) and instrumental functional analysis by using the method of gothic arch. The parameters of the gothic arch records were analyzed and subsequently compared among the subjects of the observed groups. RESULTS: In the examined group of the population 7.5% of them were with craniomandibular dysfunction. The most frequent symptoms were sound in temporomandibular joint, painful sensitivity of the muscles on palpation and lateral turning of the lower jaw while opening the mouth. By analyzing the gothic arch records and comparing the obtained values between the observed groups it was assessed that: lateral and protrusion movements, lateral amplitude and the size of gothic arch were much bigger in the healthy subjects, and latero-lateral asymmetry was larger in the sick subjects. Latero-lateral dislocation of apex was recorded only in the sick subjects with average values of 0.22 +/- 0.130 mm. The correlation between the values of Fricton-Shiffman craniomandibular index and the parameters of the gothic arch records and latero-lateral amplitude and dislocation of apex records were established by correlative statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: Functional analysis of orofacial system and instrumental analysis of lower jaw movements (gothic arch method) can be recommended as precise and simple methods in diagnosing craniomandibular dysfunctions.

Neuromuscular orthotics in the treatment of craniomandibular dysfunction and the effects on patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to identify, measure and document an effect on the subjective multiple sclerosis symptoms and compare it to any objective data changes in the neuromuscular system of the head and neck, following the correction of the jaw position using a neuromuscular orthotic. The hope is to provide clinical evidence of improvement in the disease long-term without relying on the subjective evidence of remissions and exacerbations reported by the patient. The evidence found in the current pilot study measured improvement of head position, jaw position, jaw function, and airway in the neuromuscular bite position, which correlated with the improvement of subjective symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction and multiple sclerosis. Studies show that the bite affects blood flow in the brain, which may explain the improvement of the patients in the current study.

Persistent orofacial muscle pain.

The pathophysiology of persistent orofacial myalgia has been the centre of much controversy. In this article we suggest a novel descriptive term; 'persistent orofacial muscle pain' (POMP) and review current evidence that supports the hypothesis that the induction of POMP involves the interplay between a peripheral nociceptive source in muscle, a faulty central nervous system component and decreased coping ability. In this context it is widely accepted that a complex interaction of variable intrinsic and extrinsic factors act to induce POMP and dysfunction.

Provocation testing to assist craniomandibular pain diagnosis.

Patients with TMD often present with complex pain symptoms, which can make it difficult to reach a diagnosis. Usually palpation of the masticatory muscles and TM joints, range of motion testing and imaging are used in the diagnostic process. Sometimes it is necessary to evaluate the jaw moving muscles from a functional prospective because they cannot be palpated due to inaccessibility or because they have other structures that are more superficial to them. In these instances, provocation testing can be a helpful adjunct in providing some insight into what is occurring in the area being tested and localizing a suspected source of pain. Anesthesia blocking can be used to confirm any positive findings. This article explores several provocation tests that can be used to evaluate conditions of the masticatory musculature, the TM joints and the stylomandibular ligament.

[The role of the cervical spine and the craniomandibular system in the pathogenesis of tinnitus. Somatosensory tinnitus]. / Die Rolle der Halswirbelsäule und des Kiefergelenks bei Tinnitus. Der sog. somatosensorische Tinnitus (SST).

The causes of tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing disturbances may be pathological processes in the cervical spine and temporomaxillary joint. In these cases, tinnitus is called somatosensory tinnitus (SST). For afferences of the cervical spine, projections of neuronal connections in the cochlear nucleus were found. A reflex-like impact of the cervical spine on the cochlear nucleus can be assumed. The tinnitus treatment concept of the Charité University Hospital in Berlin involves the cooperation of ENT specialists with many other disciplines in an outpatient clinic. A standardized examination protocol has been established, and physical therapy has been integrated into the interdisciplinary tinnitus treatment. For tinnitus-modulating therapy of muscular trigger points, local anesthetics as well as self-massage or treatment by a physiotherapist or osteopath are useful.

The electromyographic activity of masseter and anterior temporalis during orofacial symptoms induced by experimental occlusal highspot.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the short-term impact of an occlusal highspot on the occurrence of orofacial symptoms by collecting self-evaluation and using electromyography (EMG) evaluation. A rigid unilateral intercuspal occlusal highspot (A cast onlay of 0.5 mm) was placed on the right lower first molar of six adult volunteers (three males, three females), and remained for 6 days. Continuously all the induced orofacial symptoms were collected and the subjects scored the orofacial pain on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) during the placement of onlay. The surface EMG was recorded before the placement of onlay, during (on the 3rd and 6th day) and after the onlay was removed. Then the contractile symmetry of bilateral masseter (MAL, MAR) and anterior temporalis (TAL, TAR) was measured by using an asymmetry index. On the 3rd day of the placement of the occlusal highspot, all subjects complained of headache in right temporal region (mean VAS +/- s.d.=3.7+/-0.5); the activity of TAR at rest position of mandible increased significantly (P=0.027). In addition, on the 3rd and 6th day with the highspot the EMG activity of the tested muscles during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was significantly reduced; the asymmetry index of bilateral anterior temporalis during MVC was increased significantly (P(3rd)=0.028; P(6th)=0.046). A unilateral occlusal highspot may make the ipsilateral anterior temporalis become tenser at rest position. Furthermore, the activity of bilateral anterior temporalis becomes more unsymmetrical during MVC although there are inter-individual differences between subjects. The changes in muscular activity may have some relationship with the occurrence of tension-type headache in temporal region.

Reproducibility of jaw movements in patients with craniomandibular disorders.

It has never been investigated, if mandibular movements of patients with craniomandibular disorders (CMD) result in a lower reproducibility of dynamic functional parameters which are used for the individual articulator setting. The aim of the present study was to compare the reproducibility of electronically registered functional parameters in patients with CMD and in a control group. Dynamic functional parameters were recorded in 30 patients and 30 volunteers with a computerized ultrasound system (ARCUSdigma). The whole registration was performed three times during one session and three times at a second session 1 week later. The horizontal condylar inclination in the patient group gave a standard deviation of 2.17 degrees +/- 0.95 degrees , indicating poorer reproducibility than in the volunteer group, for which the standard deviation was 1.37 degrees +/- 0.42 degrees . The reproducibility of measurements of the Bennett angle was also poorer in the patient group than in the volunteer group, with standard deviations of 1.70 degrees +/- 0.62 degrees and 1.22 degrees +/- 0.40 degrees , respectively. The standard deviations calculated for determination of incisal inclination during laterotrusion was 3.02 degrees +/- 1.49 degrees for patients and 2.30 degrees +/- 1.17 degrees for volunteers. The standard deviations for incisal inclination during protrusion was 2.02 degrees +/- 0.95 degrees for patients and 2.06 degrees +/- 1.82 degrees for volunteers. The reproducibility of measurement of horizontal condylar inclination, Bennett angle and incisal inclination during laterotrusion therefore showed significantly lower reproducibility in the patient group than in the volunteer group (P < 0.05). The overall reproducibility of the measurements was nevertheless good in both groups, with standard deviations under 3.1 degrees , so that an individual setting of an articulator seems useful even in patients with CMD.

[Stress, coping, and craniomandibular disorders]. / Stress, Stressverarbeitung und kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktionen.

BACKGROUND: Stress is an etiologic factor of pain-relevant craniomandibular disorders (CMD). Interindividual differences in coping with stress and their relation to CMD have rarely been examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 72 volunteers (20 men, 52 women) were examined according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Stress parameters and coping skills were assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS: Stress and one coping factor are correlated with CMD indices. Linear regression analysis found the Life Event Score and cognitive coping by changing appraisals to significantly predict CMD. CONCLUSION: Stress and coping skills are independent predictors of CMD.

Does head posture have a significant effect on the hyoid bone position and sternocleidomastoid electromyographic activity in young adults?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between head posture (head extension, normal head posture, and head flexion) and anteroposterior head position, hyoid bone position, and the sternocleidomastoid integrated electromyographic (IEMG) activity in a sample of young adults. The study included 50 individuals with natural dentition and bilateral molar support. A lateral craniocervical radiograph was taken for each subject and a cephalometric analysis was performed. Head posture was measured by means of the craniovertebral angle formed by the MacGregor plane and the odontoid plane. According to the value of this angle, the sample was divided into the following three groups: head extension (less than 95 degrees); normal head posture (between 95 degrees and 106 degrees); and head flexion (more than 106 degrees). The following cephalometric measurements were taken to compare the three groups: anteroposterior head position (true vertical plane/pterygoid distance), anteroposterior hyoid bone position (true vertical plane-Ha distance), vertical hyoid bone position (H-H' distance in the hyoid triangle), and CO-C2 distance. In the three groups, IEMG recordings at rest and during swallowing of saliva and maximal voluntary clenching were performed by placing bipolar surface electrodes on the right and left sternocleidomastoid muscles. In addition, the condition with/without craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) in each group was also assessed. Head posture showed no significant association with anteroposterior head position, anteroposterior hyoid bone position, vertical hyoid bone position, or sternocleidomastoid IEMG activity. There was no association to head posture with/without the condition of CMD. Clinical relevance of the results is discussed.

[The influence of occlusion on sporting performance]. / Influenza dell'occlusione sulle prestazioni sportive.

AIM: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between dental occlusion and physical performance using the Ergo-jump platform, and to highlight connections, if any. METHODS: For the purpose of this research, 30 patients suffering from cervico-facial pathology and 10 without temporomandibular joint dysfunction were selected from within the Dental Clinic of the University of Sassari. For the first group a resin plate was prepared to correct the malocclusion, while for the control group a bite was prepared that created it. Subjects carried out exercises with the Ergo-jump platform, a device that assesses physical capabilities and athletic performance. Patients were asked to do 2 exercises, a counter movement jump and a mechanical power test, with plate and without plate. RESULTS: The tests of the first group were as follows: flying times with the bite were 0.01 s longer; the average elevation in the counter movement jump test did not give statistically significant results; execution of the mechanical power test suggests an increase in average mechanical power with the plate. Execution of the same exercises in the other group showed greater flight times without the place; average elevation was not statistically significant; the execution of the mechanical power test showed a decrease in average mechanical power with the occlusion plate. CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis of individual results showed that patients do not always obtain a benefit during physical exercise using the bite. Research shows that the same pathology can cause different physical performance in different individuals; in fact, not all craniomandibular disturbances have repercussions on posture.