Effectiveness of the therapeutic laser in the syndrome of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint of arthrogenic origin / Eficacia del láser terapéutico en el síndrome de disfunción de la articulación temporomandibular de origen artrogénico

Abstract Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TMD), is a collective term characterized by symptoms involving chewing muscles, temporomandibular joint and orofacial structures. The efficacy of low intensity laser (LLLT) Gallium arsenide, in combination with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) was evaluated. The main objective was to evaluate the maximum mouth opening without pain (ABM), arthralgia in the joint capsule through visual analog scale (VAS), laterality, protrusion, joint noises and count of tablets ingested per group. A controlled clinical trial (double-blind-randomized) was carried out in 30 subjects, who presented DTM of arthrogenic etiology; 5 applications of LLLT were made with wavelength of 810 nm, output optical power of 100-200 mw, emission PW=Pulsed (1-10,000Hz), dose of 10 jouls-cm², time of 1.44 minutes in mouth closed and with the mouth half open. One more follow-up appointment per month. There were two groups: experimental and control group, where different variables were analyzed (ABM, laterality, protrusion, VAS and sociodemographic). In the control group, a supposed LT application (not active) was made, for later comparison. Pain-free ABM was assessed in all appointments in addition to the other clinical parameters. Repeated measures analysis was performed with mixed models. Thirty patients were included of which 28 finished the treatment, two of them were lost during follow-up. The groups were similar in all their baseline variables. There were no statistically significant differences when applying the final multiple regression analysis, in the ABM, or in any other of the clinical parameters analyzed. LT was not effective in treating arthrogenic DTM.

Resumen El síndrome de disfunción de la articulación temporomandibular (DTM) es un término colectivo caracterizado por síntomas que involucran músculos de la masticación, articulación temporomandibular y estructuras orofaciales. Se evaluó la eficacia del láser de baja intensidad (LLLT) Arseniuro de galio, en combinación con un antiinflamatorio no esteroideo (AINE). El objetivo principal fue evaluar la apertura bucal máxima sin dolor (ABM), la artralgia en cápsula articular a través de escala visual análoga (EVA), lateralidades, protrusión, ruidos articulares y conteo de tabletas ingeridas por grupo. Se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado (doble ciego-aleatorizado) en 30 sujetos, que presentaban DTM de etiología artrogénica; se les realizaron 5 aplicaciones de LLLT con longitud de onda de 810 nm, potencia óptica de salida de 100-200 mw, emisión PW=Pulsed (1-10,000Hz), dosis de10 jouls-cm², tiempo de1.44 minutos a boca cerrada y con la boca semiabierta. Una cita más de seguimiento al mes. Se tuvieron dos grupos: experimental y grupo control, donde se analizaron diferentes variables (ABM, lateralidades, protrusión, EVA y sociodemográficas). En el grupo control se hizo una supuesta aplicación LT (no activo), para posterior comparación. En todas las citas se valoró la ABM sin dolor además de los otros parámetros clínicos. Se realizó análisis de medidas repetidas con modelos mixtos. Se incluyeron 30 pacientes de los cuales 28 finalizaron el tratamiento, dos de ellos se perdieron en el seguimiento. Los grupos fueron similares en todas sus variables basales. No hubo diferencias estadísticas significativas al aplicar los análisis de regresión múltiple finales, en la ABM, ni tampoco en ningún otro de los parámetros clínicos analizados. El LT no fue eficaz en el tratamiento de la DTM de origen artrogénico.

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.

Fibromyalgia in patients with chronic CCD and CMD - A retrospective study of 555 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) and craniocervical dysfunction (CCD) are clearly defined musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Relationships with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have not yet been investigated. The aim of the present study is to establish possible relationships between FMS and CMD/ CCD. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 555 patients with CCD and CMD were investigated with respect to the diagnostic criteria of FMS. In addition to otolaryngologic and dental examination, an instrumental functional analysis for the diagnosis of CMD/CCD was performed. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-one (63%) of the 555 patients evaluated met the diagnostic criteria for FMS. Seventy-two percent of the patients had a widespread pain index of at least 7 and a severity scale score of at least 5. Twenty-nine percent had a widespread pain index of 3-6 and a severity scale score of at least 9. Using myocentric bite splint therapy and therapy with oral orthesis in combination with neuromuscular relaxation measures, a good to very good improvement of physical symptoms was seen in 84% of CMD-FMS patients, and an improvement of the symptoms in the jaw was achieved in 77% of cases. DISCUSSION: The substantial proportion of CMD and CCD patients who meet the criteria for FMS emphasizes the complexity of the two diseases. It must be assumed that FMS is a crucial factor for the formation of CMD and CCD. Conversely, CMD/ CCD could also be responsible for diverse clinical pictures of the FMS. FMS patients with synchronous CCD/CMD benefit from an interdisciplinary CMD/CCD treatment.

[Painful temporomandibular dysfunctions: diagnosis and -treatment]. / Pijnlijke temporomandibulaire disfuncties: diagnose en behandeling.

Painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD pain) are common among the general population. The most common sub diagnoses are myalgia (jaw-muscle pain) and arthralgia (temporomandibular joint pain). The aetiology of TMD pain has a multifactorial nature, and its diagnosis and possible treatment often require a multidisciplinary approach. The most recent insights in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD pain are based on the multidisciplinary guideline 'Chronic Orofacial Pain' that was developed by the Dutch Society of Headache Patients and was published in 2013. Dentists are required to follow the recommendations of this guideline. The authorisation of the guideline by the relevant academic and professional associations in the Netherlands implies that restraint is advised when adopting diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities that are not or are insufficiently based on solid evidence.

[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.

Técnica con arcos botantes para la abertura de la sutura occipitomastoidea / Using the structural buttresses of the skull to open the occipitomastoid suture

El agujero rasgado posterior es una zona clave en el tratamiento craneal osteopático, pues nos permite actuar sobre el importante paquete vasculonervioso que lo atraviesa. Las técnicas estructurales de articulación se utilizan para liberar las suturas y devolver la movilidad a las fibras óseas e intersuturales en disfunción. El objetivo de la Técnica con arcos botantes para la sutura occipitomastoidea es mejorar la elasticidad ósea para desimbricar la sutura descomprimiéndola, y liberar el agujero rasgado posterior y su contenido. Son indispensables una buena evaluación diagnóstica, el conocimiento de los beneficios y riesgos, y una correcta ejecución, para recuperar la movilidad del la sutura y los huesos occipital y temporal, consiguiendo de este modo, mejorar la sintomatología (AU)

The jugular foramen is key to atypical cranial osteopathy treatment as it allows us to act on the vasculonervous bundle that passes through it. Structural articulatory techniques were used to open the sutures and restore mobility to the dysfunctioning intersutural and bone fibers. The objective of using the structural buttresses technique to open the occipitomastoid suture is to improve bone elasticity to open the decompresed suture and to release the jugular foramen and the elements its contains. A good diagnostic assessment, awareness of the benefits and risks and correct employment of the technique are essential to restore mobility to the suture and the occipital and temporal bones, thereby improving the symtomatology (AU)

A critical review of Dr. Charles S. Greene's article titled "Managing the Care of Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: a new Guideline for Care" and a revision of the American Association for Dental Research's 1996 policy statement on temporomandibular disorders, approved by the AADR Council in March 2010, published in the Journal of the American Dental Association September 2010.

Dr. Charles Greene's article, "Managing the Care of Patients with TMDs A New Guideline for Care," and the American Association for Dental Research's (AADR) 2010 Policy Statement on Temporomandibular Disorders, published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) September 2010, are reviewed in detail. The concept that all temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) should be lumped into one policy statement for care is inappropriate. TMDs are a collection of disorders that are treated differently, and the concept that TMDs must only be managed within a biopsychosocial model of care is inappropriate. TMDs are usually a musculoskeletal orthopedic disorder, as defined by the AADR. TMD orthopedic care that is peer-reviewed and evidence-based is available and appropriate for some TMDs. Organized dentistry, including the American Dental Association, and mainstream texts on TMDs, support the use of orthopedics in the treatment of some TMDs. TMDs are not psychological or social disorders. Informed consent requires that alternative care is discussed with patients. Standard of care is a legal concept that is usually decided by a court of law and not decided by a policy statement, position paper, guidelines or parameters of care handed down by professional organizations. The 2010 AADR Policy Statement on TMD is not the standard of care in the United States. Whether a patient needs care for a TMD is not decided by a diagnostic test, but by whether the patient has significant pain, dysfunction and/or a negative change in quality of life from a TMD and they want care. Some TMDs need timely invasive and irreversible care.

Changes in cortical activation in craniomandibular disorders during splint therapy - a single subject fMRI study.

There is some controversial discussion within the therapy of craniomandibular disorders (CMDs) about the mode of action of occlusal splints. Here we present a case report on one CMD-patient measuring cerebral activation changes with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after therapy with a stabilization splint. Wearing the Michigan splint for 11 nights and partially days resulted in substantial pain relief and changes in occlusal movement performance. Cerebral activation during occlusion was decreased after therapy (PRE-POST) in bilateral sensorimotor regions but also additional areas such as left posterior insula, right superior temporal cortex and bilateral occipital lobe. During the first usage of the splint in the scanner (PRE) increased activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal lobe (BA 9) was observed. After splint training occlusion with the splint compared to without a splint increasingly involved the left superior parietal lobe (BA 7, POST). Whereas BA 9 might be associated with increasing working memory load due to the manipulation with an unusual object, the BA 7 activation in the POST session might document increased sensorimotor interaction after getting used to the splint. Our findings indicate that wearing an occlusion splint triggers activation in parietal sensorimotor integration areas, also observed after long periods of sensorimotor training. These additional recourses might improve coordination and physiological handling of the masticatory system.

Os exercícios terapêuticos de suporte em disfunções temporomandibulares / The support therapeutic exercises in the temporomandibular dysfunctions

Os exercícios terapêuticos têm sido utilizados no tratamento das desordens músculo-esqueléticas. O programa de terapia por exercícios tem como objetivo final, a obtenção de movimento e função, livres de sintomas, devendo o mesmo ser empregado, tanto para o alívio da dor, quanto para o auxílio da restauração da função normal depois da doença ou lesão, diminuindo, o número de visitas clínicas, e consequentemente, o custo final do tratamento para o paciente. A terapia por exercícios pode ser benéfica aos pacientes que não obtiveram melhoras somente com o tratamento convencional. Tal programa pode ser dividido em exercícios ativos, exercícios ativos resistidos e alongamento passivo manual. Este trabalho tem como objetivo, descrever a utilização do programa de exercícios terapêuticos nas disfunções temporomandibulares (DTMs) e relatar um caso clínico utilizando os mesmos

The therapeutic exercises have been used for the muscle-skeletal disorders treatment. The therapeutic exercise program aims the acquisition of movement and function, free of symptoms, being employed both for pain relief as well as aiding the reestablishment of normal function after the occurrence of disease or lesion, reducing also the number of clinical visits, and consequently, the final cost of the treatment for the patient. The exercises therapy can be beneficial to the patients who had not presented improvements only with the conventional treatment. Such a program can be divided in active exercises, active resistance exercises and manual passive stretching. This study purposes to present the therapeutic exercise program efficacy in the support therapy of the temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), and report a clinical case

Acupuncture for treating temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, sham-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to assess the clinical evidence for or against acupuncture and acupuncture-like therapies as treatments for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). DATA: This systematic review includes randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture as a treatment for TMD compared to sham acupuncture. The search terms were selected according to medical subject heading (MeSH). SOURCES: Systematic searches were conducted in 13 electronic databases up to July 2010; Medline, PubMed, The Cochrane Library 2010 (Issue 7), CINAHL, EMBASE, seven Korean Medical Databases and a Chinese Medical Database. STUDY SELECTION: All parallel or cross-over RCTs of acupuncture for TMD were searched without language restrictions. Studies in which no clinical data and complex interventions were excluded. Finally, total of 7 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that the evidence for acupuncture as a symptomatic treatment of TMD is limited. Further rigorous studies are, however, required to establish beyond doubt whether acupuncture has therapeutic value for this indication.

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.

A survey on German dentists regarding the management of craniomandibular disorders.

The purpose of the present investigation was to identify the most frequent therapies and, in particular, the prescription patterns for occlusal splints for the management of craniomandibular disorders (CMDs) used by German general dentists and specialists. Additionally, the knowledge and opinion of the practising dentists were examined. All active members of the statutory dental insurance providers of the German North Rhine (n = 5,500) and the Westphalia-Lippe area (n = 4,984) were surveyed with a questionnaire by mail. Results indicated that occlusal splints were the first-choice therapy followed by physiotherapy and occlusal equilibration. In the preceding year, both general dentists and specialists made 30 occlusal splints on average. With regard to high-quality evidence-based recommendations, some statistically significant discrepancies between general dentists and specialists were detected. On the basis of the present data, it seems useful to consider intensifying the topic of CMDs and orofacial pain in future undergraduate dental curricula and in postgraduate training.

Immediate effects of microsystem acupuncture in patients with oromyofacial pain and craniomandibular disorders (CMD): a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting with oromyofacial disorders and pain in the head and neck area are often resistant to conventional therapy. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in pain reduction. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with craniomandibular disorders, headache and, in particular, local pain in the orofacial, cervical and temporomandibular joint areas were randomised into acupuncture or placebo laser therapy groups. Pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and by palpation of 14 muscles and groups of muscles immediately before and after treatment, the assessor being blinded to the patients' allocation. Applicable acupuncture points were searched and pricked using the 'very-point' technique. FINDINGS: Pain reduction measured by VAS was significantly more pronounced after acupuncture than after placebo treatment (p=0.031). Sum of pain scores across 14 muscles was considerably more reduced after acupuncture as compared to sham laser treatment. INTERPRETATION: Acupuncture may bring about immediate pain relief in patients with oromyofacial disorders, increasing the chance to initiate other therapeutic measures.

[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.

[Chronic tinnitus and craniomandibular disorders. Effectiveness of functional therapy on perceived tinnitus distress]. / Chronischer Tinnitus und kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktionen. Einfluss funktionstherapeutischer Massnahmen auf die Tinnitusbelastung.

BACKGROUND: Whether the co-occurrence of signs and symptoms of a craniomandibular disorder (CMD) and chronic tinnitus are coincidental or causal is controversial. Therefore, the effects of splint therapy and self-therapy on perceived tinnitus were evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with chronic tinnitus were divided into three groups. In a cross-over design, two groups received the two different treatments and were compared with a control group. All patients received the initial basic tinnitus therapy. RESULTS: No significant correlation was established between the groups receiving treatment and the control group that would validate a link between tinnitus and CMD. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest a coincidental relationship between the two complexes of symptoms.

Occlusion splint therapy in patients with craniomandibular disorders (CMD).

The etiology of craniomandibular disorders (CMD) is multi-factorial and the treatment should be selected with recognition of the different factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occlusion splint therapy (Michigan splint), physical exercises and transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) on CMD symptomatology. At the Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery in Belgrade, in the period from May, 2001-December, 2003, 168 patients were examined by the CMD working group. This group, comprised of different specialties (maxillofacial surgeon, prosthodontist, orthodontist, neurologist, psychiatrist and physiatrician), enabled multidisciplinary treatment of CMD patients according to the guidelines given by American Academy for Craniomandibular Dysfunctions. In all, a total of 30 patients with prevalent muscular tensions among other CMD symptoms were included in this study. The examination form according to Fricton and Shiffman for Craniomandibular Index (CMI) was used in order to evaluate the function of Craniomandibular system before and after therapy.A statistically significant difference (t = 8,735; P < 0,001) between the average values for CMI of patients before (0,2297 +/- 0,0827) and after therapy (0,1002 +/- 0,0479) was observed. Performed treatment resulted in complete response (pain relief and absence of CMD symptoms and signs) in over than 80% of patients and could be considered as a method of choice in reversible occlusal therapy.

[Dentofacial orthopedics and craniomandibular dysfunction]. / ODF et dysfonctions cranio-mandibulaires.

There has been a recent recrudescence of cranio-mandibular disorders (CMD), predominantly affecting women. Even children can be affected by CMD, often under diagnoses by their families and by medical professionals. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is important when evaluating the variety of diagnostic and etiological problems. The search for postural etiology, whether lingual or dental, is always necessary to better act on the etiology of these disorders. The involvement of orthodontics, in the prevention of CMD, has three impacts: functional, aesthetic and psychological, allowing for a better balance of the cranio-mandibular system. This makes the treatment of cranio-facial orthopedics, a successful choice in the recovery of CMD.