Ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation does not affect the centric relation registration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of ULF-TENS on the displacement of the mandibular condyle and on the repeatability of centric relation (CR) registration of three different techniques: bimanual manipulation (BM), long strip technique, and harmonic centric occlusal relationship (R.O.C.A. wires). METHODS: Twenty-five participants without temporomandibular disorder (TMD) underwent two study stages conducted via electronic position analysis: (1) three CR records were made, one for each manipulation technique; (2) the ULF-TENS was applied for 30 min, and after that the same CR records were repeated. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Mann-Whitney, ICC, and one-tailed F test. RESULTS: The ULF-TENS did not influence the condyle total displacement, regardless of CR recording technique used (p > 0.05). BM showed an improvement in repeatability after ULF-TENS. DISCUSSION: Concerning the variance, BM showed less variation at the X-axis. Long strip technique and R.O.C.A. wires varied less at the Y-axis. Long strip technique was again less variable at the Z-axis.

Thirty-year follow-up of a TMD case treated based on the neuromuscular concept.

AIM: Occlusal therapy is employed to alleviate the symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) at times. However, the long-term effect of occlusal therapy in the masticatory system is not well understood. This case study aims to present a 30-year follow-up of a TMD case. METHODOLOGY: The patient developed TMD with intermittent closed lock of the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Chief complaints included trismus, pain, and noise of the left TMJ during function. The patient's occlusal disharmony was assessed with use of electronic instruments and corrected based on the neuromuscular concept. A minimum-invasive and reversible approach using adhesive occlusal restorations was used. RESULTS: The jaw movement and masticatory muscle activity assessed at the 7- and 23-year follow-ups revealed that the established occlusion was well adapted, and re-established the patient's functional occlusion system. The patient has been free from TMD symptoms with the corrected occlusion for 30 years. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusal reconstruction based on the neuromuscular concept can be stably integrated into the patient's functional occlusion system.

Pathophysiology and pharmacologic control of osseous mandibular condylar resorption.

PURPOSE: When osseous mandibular condylar resorption occurs there can be many different diagnoses: inflammatory arthritis, TMJ compression, trauma, hormone imbalances, and others. While each diagnosis has its own original inciting event, the pathophysiological pathway for articular bone loss is the same. The aim of this article is to review the relevant literature on condylar resorption and the use of pharmacotherapy to control arthritic erosions and resorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature search was performed using PubMed database with various combinations of related keywords. Preference was given to clinical trials when reviewing articles. RESULTS: The literature reveals that common cellular level events associated with articular resorption include the activation of osteoblasts by cytokines, free radicals, hormone imbalances and/or potent phospholipid catabolites. The osteoblast then activates the recruitment of osteoclasts and promotes the release of matrix degrading enzymes from the osteoclast. Research into articular erosions has focused on elucidating the important steps in the bone destructive pathways and interfering with them by pharmacological means. The use of antioxidants, tetracyclines, omega-3 fatty acids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and inflammatory cytokine inhibitors to aid in preventing and controlling articular bone loss including osseous mandibular condylar resorption has been successful. CONCLUSION: By understanding the known pathways that lead to condylar resorption and the individual patient's susceptibilities, targeted pharmacotherapy might be able to disturb these pathways and prevent further condylar resorption. Basic clinical investigations and randomized clinical trials are still required, but the present science is encouraging.

Complaints related to mandibular function impairment after closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle.

This study analysed the relationship between complaints and mandibular function after closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle in a prospective study. In a 1-year follow-up, complaints were assessed during physical examination and function was assessed using the mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ), scoring range 0-68. Data from 114 patients (41 women, 73 men), mean age 28.1 years (SD 13.3), were available. On average the MFIQ scores were low 3.4 (SD 7.3). Ten patients (9%) experienced pain and 45 (39%) patients had a MFIQ score > 0. Mean mouth opening was 51.9 mm (SD 8.4). Occlusion was perceived as moderate or poor by 24% of the patients. In the logistic regression analysis mandibular function impairment (MFIQ score > 0) was entered as a dependent variable. Risk factors for mandibular function impairment were: pain, perceived occlusion (moderate or poor), absolute difference between left and right horizontal movements and age. A protective factor was mouth opening. The results of this study show that complaints (i.e. pain, perceived occlusion, reduced mouth opening, difference between left and right lateral movements and increased age) are predictors of mandibular function impairment after closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle.

[Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle in acute TMJ dysfunction syndrome]. / Massage du muscle ptérygoïdien latéral dans le SADAM aigu.

INTRODUCTION: Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle according to Cyriax's principles is an unrecognized procedure. This procedure was tried on patients presenting with temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated. Pain, joint clicking, measurement of mouth opening, lateral excursion and propulsion were recorded. Assessment was made before and after the massage in the same consultation. RESULTS: Joint clicking was solved in 80% and pain in 50% of the cases. Mouth opening increased by 12.8%, propulsion by 11.6% and lateral excursion by 41.3%. DISCUSSION: Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle according to Cyriax's principles is a simple and efficient method that can be recommended for patients presenting with temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. We performed a brief anatomical and radiological MRI study supporting the feasibility of lateral pterygoid muscle palpation.

Fracturas del cóndilo mandibular: tratamiento funcional / Mandibular condyle fractures: functional management

Se realizó el estudio retrospectivo de la incidencia de las fracturas del cóndilo mandibular en los traumatismos faciales, ya sean únicas o asociadas a otras fracturas de la cara. La importancia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento fue centralizado en el análisis, resolución y seguimiento de 100 casos atendidos en los últimos 5 años...Sobre 100 traumatizados se instituyó un tratamiento funcional dividido en 4 etapas..Los resultados obtenidos tuvieron como objetivo fundamental, la recuperación funcional de la articulación témporomaxilodentaria, centrada en la reprogramación del aparato masticatorio y sus receptores. Hacemos referncia a la rehabilitación y mantenimiento de la función pterigoidea, la cual es la llave central de la reposición mandibular para recuperar la función masticatoria y la simetría de la boca y la cara

Fracturas del cóndilo mandibular: tratamiento funcional / Mandibular condyle fractures: functional management

Se realizó el estudio retrospectivo de la incidencia de las fracturas del cóndilo mandibular en los traumatismos faciales, ya sean únicas o asociadas a otras fracturas de la cara. La importancia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento fue centralizado en el análisis, resolución y seguimiento de 100 casos atendidos en los últimos 5 años...Sobre 100 traumatizados se instituyó un tratamiento funcional dividido en 4 etapas..Los resultados obtenidos tuvieron como objetivo fundamental, la recuperación funcional de la articulación témporomaxilodentaria, centrada en la reprogramación del aparato masticatorio y sus receptores. Hacemos referncia a la rehabilitación y mantenimiento de la función pterigoidea, la cual es la llave central de la reposición mandibular para recuperar la función masticatoria y la simetría de la boca y la cara

Autologous blood injection for treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to reintroduce a rather simple, safe, minimally invasive, and rapid alternative procedure for the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the condyles. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects were 3 patients (5 joints) who suffered from recurrent condyle dislocation. The technique consisted of visually identifying a line from tragus to the eye angle. Then the articular fossa point was identified in this line, 10 mm anteriorly to tragus and 2 mm below the line. A 19-gauge needle was inserted at the articular fossa point. After injection of saline in the superior compartment, 5 cc of autologous blood drawn from the cubital fossa was injected (4 cc in the superior compartment and 1 cc in the pericapsular tissue). After this an elastic bandage was applied and left for the first 24 hours. Patients were advised to constrain their mandibular motion and to eat only soft foods for a week. They received cephalosporin antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 7 days. A week after the procedure, supervised physiotherapy was started and the patients were encouraged to increase their mandibular opening to 40 mm. RESULTS: Postoperative recoveries were uneventful. Dislocation of condyles did not reoccur; however, patient no. 3 experienced an episode of unilateral subluxation. At follow-up all patients presented with normal mouth opening. CONCLUSION: Bleeding resulted from the introduction of a needle for injection in the pericapsular tissue. Blood coming from this wound, associated with autologous blood injected in the superior compartment, generates a bed for fibrous tissue formation in the region, creating a limitation of mandibular movement, thus ceasing dislocation of the condyles. Temporomandibular joint autologous blood injection is a simple procedure performed on an outpatient basis that we advise as an alternative treatment for patients with recurrent dislocation of the condyles.

The use of a deprogramming appliance to obtain centric relation records.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an anterior flat plane deprogramming appliance (Jig) in 40 subjects for whom centric relation (CR) records were obtained before and after the use of the appliance. Incisal overbite and overjet dimensions and three-dimensional instrument condylar representation using the Panadent condylar path indicator (CPI) were recorded from maximum intercuspation and centric relation. Subjects were assessed subjectively to determine the degree of difficulty manipulating the mandible to obtain the centric relation record. The mean overbite difference from maximum intercuspation (MI) to centric relation without (CR) and with (CRJ) the appliance were statistically significant and decreased 1.58 mm and 2.23 mm, respectively. The mean overjet values from MI to CR and CRJ were statistically significant and increased .44 mm and .57 mm, respectively. Significant differences were determined on the Panadent articulator for the absolute vertical (Z) and absolute horizontal (X) values for centric relation with and without the appliance. The number of subjects who exceeded the threshold values of 2 mm for CPI recordings in either the horizontal or vertical direction was 7 (18%,) from MI to CR and 16 (40%) from MI to CRJ. The Lucia-type jig deprogramming appliance provides a centric relation record with greater displacement from MI than a centric relation record alone. This appliance may be a useful adjunct in a patient where mandibular manipulation in taking a centric relation bite registration is deemed not easy.

[Mandibular distraction using a dynamic osteosynthesis system: MD-DOS. Concepts and surgical technic]. / Un système de distraction mandibulaire par ostéosynthèse dynamique: DM-SOD. Concept et technique chirurgicale.

MD-DOS (mandibular distraction with a dynamic osteosynthesis system) is an intra-oral mandibular distractor that can be placed via the oral route, enabling application under local anesthesia. The aim of the article is to describe the technical-surgical aspects of the treatment concept, based on an initial experience of 35 cases. The device is characterised by a single horizontal posterior fixation screw-implant, a vertical hinge that copes with the lateral force vector in the condyles, a telescopic distraction module, and an anterior fixation unit that is fixed with monocortical screws. The main indication was mandibular lengthening in Angle Class II, deep bite cases. The third molars could be removed in the same session. Of importance was the horizontal placement of the posterior fixation unit (PFU), together with the distraction module, in order not to interfere with lateral jaw movements and with the lower sulcus. Equally important was the use of at least one 7.5 mm long osteosynthesis screw together with at least three 5.5 mm screws. Near complete mobilisation of the segments, firmly blocking the posterior fixation unit with the vertical hinge in a perpendicular position, and placing MD-DOS as close as possible to the dental arch, were also important parameters for success.

Achados radiográficos, sinais e sintomas nas disfunçöes da articulaçäo temporomandibular / Radiographic findings, signs and symptoms in temporomandibular joint dysfunctions

Os achados radiográficos e os sinais e sintomas de pacientes com disfunçöes da articulaçäo temporomandibular (ATM) foram estudados. Através da incidência transcranial para ATM, foram verificadas a presença de alteraçöes degenerativas e a estimativa de excursäo condilar. Pelo exame clínico, foram avaliados dados como queixa principal, padräo de ocorrência de dor, sinais de dor muscular e sinais articulares de disfunçäo. As alteraçöes radiográficas mais freqüentes foram as degenerativas. As alteraçöes degenerativas mais freqüentes foram, em ordem decrescente, facetamento, eburnaçäo e osteofito. As alteraçöes degenerativas foram mais freqüentes no côndilo do que na eminência articular. A estimativa de excursäo condilar foi, em ordem decrescente, normo, hiper e hipoexcursäo. Näo foi observada relaçäo entre achados radiográficos e sinais ou sintomas específicos

Condylar movements in clicking joints before and after arthrography.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether anaesthesia and contrast medium injection alter the biomechanics of the TMJ, thus influencing the arthrographic diagnosis in patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction. Opening and closing movements were recorded in nine patients by means of an opto-electronic motion recorder (Jaws 3D) before anaesthesia, after anaesthesia and after arthrography. The system computed the trajectories of a condylar point in the sagittal, frontal and horizontal plane. Data were analysed for changes in the position of the clicks, for the amount of condylar translation and for changes of the trajectories between recording conditions. The results indicated that arthrography had a significant effect on the position of the opening clicks in all nine patients. After injection, the clicks occurred on average 1.6 mm later than before injection. This was probably due to the excursive movements required for defusion of the contrast medium in the joint. The other parameters examined were not affected by the joint anaesthesia and the arthrographic procedure. The interventions influenced the shape and the incline of the sagittal condylar movement in three of the nine patients. In conclusion, arthrography altered the joint biomechanics, but not sufficiently to invalidate the arthrographic diagnosis.

Temporomandibular joint disfunction syndrome and myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome: a critical review.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction syndrome and myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) syndrome have been primarily viewed as dental problems and have only recently received close attention by psychologists. The literature reviewed in the present paper reveals that a substantial portion of the population is affected by these disorders. There is, however, a great deal of confusion that exists in relation to the aetiology and treatment of these syndromes. In an attempt to clarify the current understanding of these disorders, the present review first presents a discussion of the symptoms which comprise each of these syndromes and the proposed physiological mechanisms associated with each symptom. Next, the aetiological theories for each of these syndromes are reviewed and critically evaluated. Treatments which have been derived from the theoretical models are then discussed. Finally, methodological considerations involving classification, assessment and treatment issues are presented and future research needs are outlined.

The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of TMJ dysfunction-pain syndrome. Part III: treatment.

There is general agreement that TMJ dysfunction-pain syndrome is multicausal. Definitive diagnosis is sometimes difficult, and as a result, empirical methods must be utilized. However, in most patients, etiologic causes can be established and specific treatment plans utilized for correction. There are many approaches and methods for palliative treatment which are usually used in combination. Since TMJ dysfunction is multicausal, many clinicians favor one definitive treatment procedure over another, with generally positive results. Those not intimately involved with the treatment of patients with TMJ dysfunction-pain syndrome regard the current state of the art as in complete disarray. If palliative therapy were separated from causative therapy, a new clarification would be possible. Definitive techniques and methods that improve the health of the joint and/or the muscles will usually improve the condition of the patient. There are different approaches to the same disease or dysfunction. This does not alter the essence of the problem, but only how it is viewed and treated by different clinicians. There is much to learn, and only by more documented research can the gaps in current knowledge be filled so that better service can be rendered to our patients.