Self-medication Among Myofascial Pain Patients: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Self-medication has been reported as an option which people choose to relieve the suffering of conditions that cause pain, however, this could delay the correct diagnosis and therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of self-medication among patients with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), and to analyze correlations with the severity of the disease. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with patients who had been diagnosed with TMD. The patients were submitted to anamnesis and a physical examination. This research also used the Fonseca`s Anamnestic Index (FAI) and a questionnaire that was developed specifically for this study, containing questions related to the first health professional contacted and self-medication. The data were analyzed using comparative and correlative analysis (Version 18.0 of SPSS software), with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included, with a prevalence of females (91.2%) and a mean age of 39.76 years. Half of the patients claimed to have chosen their own medications at time, especially analgesics. Sodium dipyrone was used by 12 of the participants. Dentists were the most commonly contacted health professionals (55.5%). No correlation was found between self-medication and the severity of TMD according to the FAI. Furthermore, the time period between the onset of symptoms and the first consultation was not affected by self-medication. CONCLUSION: Self-medication seems to be highly prevalent among patients with TMD, although this practice does not seem to alter the severity of the disease.

Surgical management of mandibular ameloblastoma and immediate reconstruction with nonvascularized bone graft and hyperbaric oxygen therapy / Tratamiento quirúrgico de ameloblastoma mandibular y la reconstrucción inmediata con injerto oseo libre y terapia con oxígeno hiperbárico

Extensive resection of tumor often results in bone and soft tissue defects that cause functional and esthetic consequences. The reconstructive surgery is extremely important for the rehabilitation of these patients. The purpose of this study is to report on the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBO) in the case of a large ameloblastoma treated with segmental resection and reconstructed immediately with nonvascularized bone graft (NVBGs) from iliac crest. A 41-year-old woman was referred to our department because of paresthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve and history of swelling in the molar and ramus region of the left mandible. Panoramic radiograph depicting well-defined multilocular radiolucency extending from second pre-molar region to the left ramus region. An incisional biopsy confirms the diagnosis of solid ameloblastoma. The treatment of choice was segmental mandibular resection and immediate mandibular reconstruction using NVBGs from iliac crest, followed by removal of internal fixation and placement of dental implants with immediate loading. The patient received preoperative HBO (a 90-min session at 2.2-2.4 atmospheres, five times per week for two weeks, for a total of up to 10 sessions). Postoperative HBO (10 further 90-min sessions) was administered within 2weeks. The patient received rehabilitation with a mandibular implant-supported fixed complete dental prosthesis. The present study showed successful management of mandibular ameloblastoma that associated extensive surgery, immediate reconstruction with NVBGs from iliac crest, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and dental implants. These combined procedures allowed removal of lesion and reestablishment of mandibular contour and function.

La resección extensa de un tumor a menudo da lugar a defectos del hueso y de los tejidos blandos, que causan consecuencias funcionales y estéticas. La cirugía reconstructiva es extremadamente importante para la rehabilitación de estos pacientes. El propósito de este estudio fue informar sobre el uso de la terapia de oxígeno hiperbárico (HBO) en un caso de un ameloblastoma de gran tamaño, tratado con resección segmentaria y reconstruido inmediatamente con injerto óseo no vascularizado (IONV) de la cresta ilíaca. Una mujer de 41 años fue derivada a nuestro servicio por parestesia del nervio alveolar inferior e historia de hinchazón en la región molar y ramina de la mandíbula izquierda. Radiografía panorámica que muestra una radiolucencia multilocular bien definida que se extiende desde la segunda región pre-molar hasta la región de la rama izquierda. Una biopsia incisional confirma el diagnóstico de ameloblastoma sólido. El tratamiento de elección fue la resección mandibular segmentaria y la reconstrucción mandibular inmediata mediante IONV de cresta ilíaca, seguido de la eliminación de la fijación interna y la colocación de implantes dentales con carga inmediata. La paciente recibió OHB preoperatoria (una sesión de 90 minutos a 2.2-2.4 atmósferas, cinco veces por semana durante dos semanas, para un total de hasta 10 sesiones). La OHB postoperatoria (10 sesiones adicionales de 90 minutos) se administró en 2 semanas. La paciente recibió rehabilitación con una prótesis dental fija con implante mandibular. El presente estudio mostró un manejo exitoso del ameloblastoma mandibular asociado a una cirugía extensa, reconstrucción inmediata con IONV de cresta ilíaca, oxigenoterapia hiperbárica e implantes dentales. Estos procedimientos combinados permitieron la extirpación de la lesión y el restablecimiento del contorno y la función mandibular.

Removal of a Solitary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint Using Arthroscopy.

The diagnosis of synovial chrondromatosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) requires a combined assessment consisting of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic examinations. The purpose of this study is to report in 1 patient the removal of a single large cartilaginous nodule floating in the upper joint compartment using arthroscopy. A 30-year-old woman was referred to our department complaining about pain in preauricular area and restricted mouth opening. Imaging of magnetic resonance reveals anterior disc displacement and right joint effusion. Arthroscopy of TMJ was performed for diagnosis and treatment. During the arthroscopy a large loose body was identified and removed with a biopsy forceps; lavage was conducted with ringer solution. Hyaluronic acid was injected in TMJ at surgery, 1 and 3 months after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed articular disc on position and no effusion. The patient was followed up of 1 year without sign and symptoms. Arthroscopic procedure of TMJ was effective in diagnosis and removal of a solitary loose body of synovial chrondromatosis. Viscosupplementation appers to offer benefits in controlling pain and functional improvements.