Intramuscular botulinum toxin injection additional to arthrocentesis in the management of temporomandibular joint pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (BTX-A) as an adjunct to arthrocentesis with the effect of BTX-A injections alone in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) with masticatory muscles tension. STUDY DESIGN: The clinical study included 20 TMD patients divided into 2 groups. The influence of daily activities on pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area was evaluated in both groups using the rating scale by List and Helkimo. Range of maximal interincisial opening (MIO) and joint pain as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) were examined to determine the clinical efficiency of the procedures before and after treatment. Group A consisted of 12 patients; they were treated with arthrocentesis and BTX-A injections in the temporal and masseter muscles. Group B consisted of 8 patients; they had only BTX-A injections in the same muscles as mentioned. RESULTS: In group A, VAS decreased significantly (P = .005), and MIO improved significantly (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Arthrocentesis with BTX-A seems to affect the clinical outcomes with regard to MIO and VAS compared with the results when BTX-A only was used. BTX-A in combination with arthrocentesis improved the TMJ area symptoms.

Synovial chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint: case report with review of the literature.

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare benign condition characterized by the formation of metaplastic cartilage in the synovium resulting in numerous attached and unattached osteocartilagenous (calcified) loose bodies within the joint. The purpose of this article is to present a case of SC of the TMJ and to discuss current diagnostic approaches, treatment options and relevant follow-up data. We present a case of SC in the TMJ that was confirmed by histopathological analysis and treated via arthrotomy, and present the typical imaging findings, including Computed Tomography (CT) and orthopantomography (OPTG) findings.

Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of arthrocentesis in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), evaluate and compare cytological and biochemical findings in the synovial fluid (SF) as well in venous blood samples and to determine the effectiveness of arthrocentesis with regard to TMJ pain intensity and mandibular movement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty three consecutive patients with a diagnosis of TMJ osteoarthritis (Wilkes´ stages III, IV) after noneffective conservative treatment were treated with arthrocentesis using push and pull technique (Alstergren et al. 1995). Preoperative radiographs and the scores pre- and posttreatment (after 6 months), maximal interincisal opening (MIO) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain estimation were performed. Blocking the auriculotemporal nerve with a 2 mL of 2% lidocaine solution, the needle was inserted into the upper joint compartment and connected with the three-way stopcock for infusion therapy (Discofix® Braun) and 2-3 mL of saline solution was pushed slowly to the upper compartment and then aspirated back. The first SF aspirate was allocated for the following analysis: SF viscosity, presence of crystals, SF rheumatoid factor (RF) compared to blood plasma RF. The washing was repeated 3-4 times until the aspirate was clear. RESULTS: After 6 months MIO improved significantly (p<0.05) and pain according to VAS had substantially decreased (p<0.01). Viscosity of the aspirate was 0.78 (medium), crystals were found in 5 patients (21.7%). There was not statistical significant difference between SF RF and plasma RF values (p>0.05).The effectiveness of arthrocentesis may be explained by the joint space expansion achieved with the introduction fluid, washing out inflammatory mediators, the particles of adhesions, fibrillations, crystals etc. CONCLUSIONS: Arthrocentesis with this technique for the treatment of TMJ osteoarthritis offer favourable results with regard to increasing MIO, reducing pain and dysfunction. The presence of crystals or chondromatosis granules in the synovial fluid and increased viscosity of the synovial fluid indicates a pathological condition of an inflammatory nature.

Use of the suture anchor in interpositional arthroplasty of temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the use of a mini suture anchor to attach the temporal myofascial flap to the head of the mandibular condyle in interpositional arthroplasty for the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old patient, with unilateral posttraumatic temporomandibular joint osseous ankylosis and pre-operative maximal interincisal distance of 9 mm, was treated by the interpositional gap arthroplasty using the temporal myofascial flap. After rotation, the flap and the TMJ capsule were attached to the lateral pole of the condyle by a non-absorbable mini suture anchor. The surgery was uneventful. On the first post-operative day, the range of motion was considerably improved, with a maximal interincisal distance of 26 mm, a mandibular protrusion of 1 mm and a lateral mandibular excursion of 4 mm to the left and 7 mm to the right. On the 20th post-operative day, the maximal interincisal distance was 30 mm, protrusion 4 mm, the lateral excursion to the right 7 mm and to the left 5 mm. On the third post-operative month, the maximal interincisal distance reached 40 mm. DISCUSSION: The mini suture anchor demonstrated to be a good tool for the fixation of the temporalis myofascial flap to the condyle, also allowing with the same suture to attach the capsular tissue to the lateral surface of the condyle. The bone-anchored suture permits the restoration of a more physiologic TMJ anatomy. The treatment of TMJ ankylosis should be comprehensive; physiotherapy plays an important role in the rehabilitation period to restore the normal function.

Relationship between radiographic changes in the temporomandibular joint and bone mineral density: a population based study.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this population based study was to compare radiographic changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD. To find whether there is any relationship between TMJ radiographic changes, vitamin D (25(OH)D) and bone markers levels and the number of missing teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study included 95 randomly selected participants. Bilateral TMJ images were obtained using an orthopantomograph (OPTG) and were evaluated for presence of radiographic signs. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BMD of the lumbar spine (LT score) and femur (FT score) was detected by DXA. The level of type I collagen telopeptide fragments (P1NP), of C-telopeptide crosslaps of type I collagen (CTX-1) and of 25(OH)D were also measured. RESULTS. Subjects with a lower LT score had significantly fewer occluding pairs of teeth (p=0.018) and were more frequent users of removable prostheses (p=0.008). Radiographic changes were negatively correlated with P1NP (p=0.041). CTX-1 correlated positively with P1NP (p<0.001) and negatively with 25(OH)D (p=0.042). Occluding pairs of teeth were positively correlated with the LT score (p=0.012) and FT score (p<0.001). Radiography showed changes in the TMJ of 57% of participants. Out of 95 participants, 60% demonstrated an abnormally low LT value. CONCLUSIONS. This population based study indicates that TMJ radiographic changes and teeth loss seems to be related to the low level of BMD and 25(OH)D level.

The effect of prednisolone on reduction of complaints after impacted third molar removal.

UNLABELLED: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids are able to effectively reduce postoperative sequels after impacted third molar removal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a single dose of prednisolone, taken orally immediately after the operation, would increase the effects of etorikoxib (Arcoxia(R)) NSAID in preventing trismus and swelling after surgical removal of impacted third molars. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in a half-year period on 78 patients who had undergone third molar surgery under local anaesthesia. They were divided into two groups: prednisolone group (38 patients) and control (40 patients). In the prednisolone group 30 mg prednisolone was given to each patient immediately after surgery. Both groups had received Etorikoxib 120 mg 30 minutes before operation. They had to complete a questionnaire evaluating postoperative symptoms. Postoperative pain, facial swelling and trismus were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative administration of 30 mg prednisolone to the patients relieved trismus, swelling and pain more than non-administration of prednisolone in the control group. There was significantly less swelling on the first four postoperative days in the prednisolone group compared to control (p<0.05). The values of the maximal interincisal opening (MIO) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were higher for the prednisolone group than for the control group (p<0.05). No clinically apparent infection, disturbance of wound healing, or other corticosteroid-related complications were noted. CONCLUSION: It was found that a combination of a single dose of prednisolone and Etorikoxib is well-suited for treatment of postoperative pain, trismus, and swelling after third molar surgery and should be used to diminish postoperative swelling of soft tissues.

Long-term evaluation of arthroscopic surgery with lysis and lavage of temporomandibular joint disorders.

AIM: To estimate and analyse the long-term outcome of arthroscopy for the treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients (35 joints) who underwent TMJ arthroscopy under general anaesthesia due to osteoarthritis between years 2000 and 2007 (Wilkes stages IV and V) were included in this study. The age range at the time of surgery was from 18 to 69 years. The scores for preoperative maximal interincisal opening (MIO), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain before arthroscopy, 6 months and 5 years after arthroscopy were compared. RESULTS: Fibrous adherences were found in all cases, fibrillations in 76% of cases. The most frequent radiographic sign was erosion (69%). There was a significant increase in the MIO postoperatively after 6 months (r(s)=0.56; n=29, p>0.01) that held during the longer-term follow-up (5 years) period (r(s)=0.58; p<0.001). VAS after 6 months was positively correlated to VAS after 5 years (r(s)=0.38; p=0.040). There were no significant differences between the results of follow-up when comparing the shorter (6 months) and longer (5 years) results. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic lysis and lavage for the treatment of TMJ disorders offers favourable long-term stable results with regard to increasing MIO and reduced pain and dysfunction.

Sarcoidosis (Heerfordt syndrome): a case report.

We report the case of a 22-year-old woman who is suspected of having primary Sjögren s syndrome. She complaining of bilateral swelling of eyelids and the parotid glands of three weeks duration. Physical examination revealed a bilateral enlargement of both parotid glands, which were solid and painful. Sjögren s syndrome was suspected at that stage, and the serologic and specific analysis were done. All these tests didn t find any autoimmune or visceral features typical of Sjögren s syndrome and autoantibodies were negative. During follow-up time the right facial nerve palsy developed. Pulmonary radiography revealed bihilar lymphadenopathy and labial salivary gland biopsy revealed non-caseating granuloma. The patient was classified as having stage I sarcoidosis. This case demonstrates the importance of being aware of the leading clinical signs and symptoms in case of Heerfordt syndrome.

Effect of cyclic 3', 5' adenosin-monophosphate on osteogenesis embryonic bone cultivated in tissue culture: an autoradiographic study.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyclic 3', 5' adenosin-monophosphate (cAMP) on DNA synthesis of embryonic alveolar bone in tissue culture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bone fragments were cultured in the medium composed of 80% medium 199, 15% horse serum, 4 mg/ml glucose, 100 microg/ml penicillin using the grid method. The explants were cultured up to 12 days. In the second series, the effect of cAMP in a concentration of 10(-6)M on bone during 12 days was studied. DNA synthesis was determined by calculating mitotic labelling indices for (3)H-thymidine incorporation into cells within cultured explants at 3 to 12 days. The medium was supplemented with 1 microCurie/ml (3)H-thymidine for 4 hours and processed for autoradiography. The mitotic labelling index was determined in the histological sections. All values wer presented as mean+/-standard deviation. Statistical significance was defined by p-values of 0.05 or less. RESULTS: Morphological and statistical analysis showed that there were differences in mitotic incidence (MI) and silver grain densities over osteoblasts in control cultures and with cAMP. The mean value of MI was 4,627+/-1,001 in control and 7,706+/-1,188 in the cultures where cAMP was added (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thus cAMP inhibited bone resorption and stimulated new bone formation in tissue culture. This study provides a novel concept that may help to identify new therapeutic targets.

Progression of radiographic changes in the temporomandibular joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in relation to inflammatory markers and mediators in the blood.

The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal radiographic changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with clinical involvement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relation to the blood level of inflammatory mediators and markers. Sixteen patients were investigated by computed tomography on two occasions 25-46 months apart. The radiographs were assessed independently for changes in presence of erosions, sclerosis, flattening, osteophytes, and subchondral pseudocysts. The serum (S) or plasma (P) concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), thrombocyte particle concentration, scrotonin (S-5-HT and P-5-HT), tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, tumor necrosis factor soluble receptor type II, interleukin-1 soluble receptor type II (P-IL-1sRII) and interleukin 6 as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured. The radiographic status showed no consistent or significant change during the observation period, but the individual variation was considerable. The radiographic signs of erosion and sclerosis varied most. Regression of erosions was associated with high S-5-HT and P-IL-1sRII, while progression of erosions was associated with high P-5-HT. Regression of sclerosis was associated with an increase in P-5-HT and high ESR. Progression of flattening was associated with high CRP. In conclusion, this study indicates that the progression of radiographic changes that occurs in the TMJ of patients with well-controlled RA during a period of 25-46 months seems to be related to the blood levels of CRP, 5-HT, and IL-1sRII. However, only minor progression can be expected to occur, and with considerable individual variation.

Odontogenic tumours, a collaborative retrospective study of 75 cases covering more than 25 years from Estonia.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present collaborative study was to analyse retrospectively the character of odontogenic tumours in Estonia, involving the entire Estonian population (1.4 million), and to compare their prevalence with the figures presented in similar reports from other countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All material for the retrospective study was retrieved from the files of the Departments of Maxillofacial Surgery in Tartu and Tallinn, Estonia, where all in/out-patients are treated from the whole country. The final diagnosis in each case of odontogenic tumour was based on the 1992 WHO histological criteria. RESULTS: A total of 75 odontogenic tumours was found, 74 (98.6%) of which were benign, and 1 (1.3%) was malignant. The frequency of odontogenic tumours in this study was the lowest ever reported. The most common tumours were odontoma (34.3%), followed by ameloblastoma with different subtypes (25.3%), ameloblastic fibroma (16%), odontogenic myxoma (12%) and benign cementoblastoma (8%). CONCLUSION: Odontogenic tumours are relatively rare in Estonia compared with the data from other countries.

Influence of serotonin on the analgesic effect of granisetron on temporomandibular joint arthritis.

The influence of circulating serotonin (5-HT) on the effects of intra-articular administration of granisetron on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain was investigated in 11 patients with chronic polyarthritides. An analgesic effect superior to placebo has been shown previously. The change in TMJ movement pain intensity was negatively correlated to circulating 5-HT; that is, the higher the 5-HT before injection, the greater the reduction of pain intensity. The resting pain intensity reduction was not related to 5-HT. In conclusion, this study indicates a stronger short-term analgesic effect on TMJ movement pain by intra-articular administration of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron in patients with high levels of circulating 5-HT.

Dentists' qualifications affect the accuracy of radiographic identification.

This study assessed the effects of forensic odontologists' training and experience upon the accuracy of their dental radiographic identifications. Forty participating odontologists with various levels of training and experience completed a Web-based survey of their qualifications and then completed nine Web-based radiographic identification cases. They made their identifications using the American Board of Forensic Odontology Categories and Terminology for Body Identification. The results indicate that odontologists with high levels of training and experience performed significantly more accurately than those with lower levels. We conclude that high levels of training and experience in forensic odontology should be developed, maintained, and required of dentists who participate in a forensic team dealing with challenging identification cases.

Inflammatory mediators and radiographic changes in temporomandibular joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and serotonin (5-HT), the inflammatory markers erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as rheumatoid factor (RF) and thrombocyte particle concentration (TPC) in blood versus temporomandibular joint (TMJ) radiographic changes in patients with clinical TMJ involvement by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty patients were included. Venous blood was collected for quantification of the mediators, markers, and TPC. The radiographic signs of erosion, flattening, sclerosis, subchondral pseudocyst, and osteophyte as well as radiographic grade were investigated with computed tomography. The median (IQR) plasma levels of TNFalpha and 5-HT were 0 (13) pg/ mL and 13 (22) nmol/L, respectively, while serum level of 5-HT was 1360 874) nmol/L ESR, CRP, and TPC were abnormally high in 53%, 250%, and 15% of the patients, respectively. The most frequent radiographic signs were sclerosis (75%), erosion (50%), and flattening (30%). Erosion was found to be associated with high TPC and flattening with high plasma level of TNFalpha. In conclusion, patients with clinical TMJ involvement by RA show an association between high level of TPC and TNFalpha in plasma versus radiographic signs of joint bone destruction.

Reliability and validity of eight dental age estimation methods for adults.

This paper evaluates the reliability and validity of eight published dental age estimation methods for adults that may aid in victim identification. Age was calculated on 20 Caucasian teeth of known age according to the methods of Kvaal (for in situ and extracted teeth), Solheim (for in situ and sectioned teeth), Lamendin (for extracted teeth), Johanson (for sectioned teeth) and Bang (for extracted and sectioned teeth) by one independent observer. For each method, mean age error and standard error were assessed as the measures of accuracy and precision. In addition, method simplicity, requirements for tooth preparation and the equipment necessary were assessed and recommendations given for forensic use in various situations. Methods for sectioned teeth gave more reliable results when compared to methods for intact teeth.

Mandibular ameloblastoma and maxillary adenoid cystic carcinoma: case report.

We report the case of a 74-year-old woman who developed a follicular ameloblastoma of the right mandible and 22 months later developed a cribriform adenoid cystic carcinoma of the soft palate on the right maxilla. The ameloblastoma was treated by hemimandibulectomy, and the adenoid cystic carcinoma was managed by resection of the soft palate and the surrounding tissue and bone followed by a 6-week course of radiotherapy. Our review of the literature indicates that only one similar case has been previously reported where an odontogenic tumor and a salivary gland tumor involved two different anatomic locations in the same patient at nearly the same time.

Impact of temporomandibular joint pain on activities of daily living in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain on daily living in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involving the TMJ. Nineteen patients (17 F, 2 M) with a median (IQR) age of 44 (23) years were included. A scale for the influence of TMJ pain/discomfort on the activities of daily living was used. TMJ resting pain and pain upon maximum mouth opening according to a visual analog scale as well as pressure pain threshold and tenderness to digital palpation of the TMJ were assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure the level of acute phase proteins. Activities of daily living were influenced in all patients at different levels. The impact on daily living by TMJ pain/discomfort was greatest on the performance of physical exercises and jaw movements, while it was smallest on the performance of hobbies and eating. Pain during maximum mouth opening and tenderness to digital palpation were correlated to difficulties with several activities such as to yawn and open the mouth wide, while pressure pain threshold was correlated with difficulties during eating, which confirms that the pain was located in the TMJ. In conclusion, this study indicates that pain/discomfort from the TMJ in patients with RA has a significant negative impact on activities of daily living.

2.2 Continuous quality improvement.

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) can be envisaged as a circular process of goal-setting, followed by external and internal evaluations resulting in improvements that can serve as goals for a next cycle. The need for CQI is apparent, because of public accountability, maintaining European standards and the improvement of dental education. Many examples are known where recommendations from both external and internal evaluation are used for the improvement of dental education. Unfortunately, the implementation of the recommendations is inconsistent, rarely systematic and usually not transparent. This section agreed that it is essential to apply CQI in a structured, systematic and transparent way if we are to improve and maintain the quality of dental education. A model is proposed which includes three aspects: a) the process of CQI; b) the subjects to which CQI should be applied; and c) the management tools to govern CQI. It is stressed, that CQI is a process that can be applied in any dental school irrespective of curriculum or educational approach within the relevant context of the country or the region. The approach needs to recognize the complexity and the need to balance a quality improvement with accountability. A CQI system is also constrained in any organization by the attitudes and values of the staff. Inevitably there has to be a wide range in the application of CQI. Nevertheless, an agreed model on CQI might enhance convergence towards higher standards of dental education. The process of CQI can be supported by developments in information and communication technology (ICT): collection of data, identifying the steps in CQI, formats of reports, etc. The section was set, as one of its tasks, to advise on the development of a network based on a number of case studies on the application of CQI in dental education.