Efficacy of stabilisation splint treatment on facial pain – 1‐year follow‐up

The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to assess the efficacy of stabilisation splint treatment on TMD‐related facial pain during a 1‐year follow‐up. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to two groups: splint group (n = 39) and control group (n = 41). The patients in the splint group were treated with a stabilisation splint and received counselling and instructions for masticatory muscle exercises. The controls received only counselling and instructions for masticatory muscles exercises. The outcome variables were the change in the intensity of facial pain (as measured with visual analogue scale, VAS) as well as the patients' subjective estimate of treatment outcome. The differences in VAS changes between the groups were analysed using variance analysis and linear regression models. The VAS decreased in both groups, the difference between the groups being not statistically significant. The group status did not significantly associate with the decrease in VAS after adjustment for baseline VAS, gender, age, length of treatment and general health status. The only statistically significant predicting factor was the baseline VAS, which was also confirmed by the mixed‐effect linear model. After 1‐year follow‐up, 27·6% of the patients in the splint group and 37·5% of the patients in the control group reported ‘very good' treatment effects. The findings of this study did not show stabilisation splint treatment to be more effective in decreasing facial pain than masticatory muscle exercises and counselling alone in the treatment of TMD‐related facial pain over a 1‐year follow‐up.     

Efficacy of Appliance Therapy on Temporomandibular Disorder Related Facial Pain and Mandibular Mobility: A Randomized Controlled Study

There is limited evidence supporting the role of occlusal splints in Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) therapy. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of stabilization splint therapy on TMD related facial pain and mandibular mobility. The sample of study consisted of eighty consecutive patients diagnosed with TMD. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: a splint group (n = 40) comprising of patients treated with stabilization splint, councelling and masticatory muscle exercises, and a control group (n = 40), comprising of patients treated with councelling and masticatory muscle exercises alone. Data from both the groups were collected at the beginning of the study and after a 6-month follow up. The outcome variables were visual analogue scale on facial pain intensity and clinical findings for TMD (anterior maximal opening, mandibular right laterotrusion, mandibular left laterotrusion, mandibular protrusion, and number of painful muscle sites). Changes within the splint and control groups (before treatment and 6 months after treatment) were analyzed using paired samples t test. Differences in change between the splint and control groups were analyzed using independent samples t-test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Facial pain and number of painful muscle sites decreased, and the mandibular mobility increased significantly in both groups after treatment; however the differences in changes in VAS or clinical TMD findings between the two groups were not statistically significant. The findings of this study show that stabilization splint treatment in combination with counselling and masticatory muscle exercises has no additional benefit in relieving facial pain and increasing the mobility of the mandible than counselling and masticatory muscle exercises alone over a 6-months’ time interval.     

Efficacy of stabilisation splint treatment on the oral health‐related quality of life–A randomised controlled one‐year follow‐up trial

The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to assess the efficacy of stabilisation splint treatment on the oral health‐related quality of life OHRQoL during a 1‐year follow‐up. Originally, the sample consisted of 80 patients (18 men, 62 women) with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) who had been referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Oulu University Hospital, Finland, for treatment. Patients were randomly designated into splint (n = 39) and control group (n = 41). Patients in the splint group were treated with a stabilisation splint. Additionally, patients in both groups received counselling and instructions on masticatory muscle exercises. The patients filled in the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaire before treatment and at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. At total, 67 patients (35 in the splint group vs. 32 in the control group) completed the questionnaire at baseline. The outcome variables were OHIP prevalence, OHIP severity and OHIP extent. Linear mixed‐effect regression model was used to analyse factors associated with change in OHIP severity during the 1‐year follow‐up, taking into account treatment time, age, gender and group status. OHIP prevalence, severity and extent decreased in both groups during the follow‐up. According to linear mixed‐effect regression, decrease in OHIP severity did not associate significantly with group status. Compared to masticatory muscle exercises and counselling alone, stabilisation splint treatment was not more beneficial on self‐perceived OHRQoL among TMD patients over a 1‐year follow‐up     

Behavioural changes and occlusal splints are effective in the management of masticatory myofascial pain: a short-term evaluation

Summary The aim of this research was to test the hypothesis that treatment with intra‐oral appliances with different occlusal designs was beneficial in the management of pain of masticatory muscles compared with a control group. A total of 51 patients were analysed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) to obtain the diagnosis of masticatory myofascial pain (MMP). The sample was then randomly divided into three groups: group I (n = 21) wore a full coverage acrylic stabilisation occlusal splint; group II (n = 16) wore an anterior device nociceptive trigeminal inhibitory (NTI) system; and group III (n = 14) only received counselling for behavioural changes and self‐care (the control group). The first two groups also received counselling. Follow‐ups were performed after 2 and 6 weeks and 3 months. In these sessions, patients were evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the masticatory muscles. Possible adverse effects were also recorded, such as discomfort while using the appliance and occlusal changes. The results were analysed with Kruskal–Wallis, anova , Tukey’s and Friedman tests, with a significance level of 5%. Group I showed improvement in the reported pain at the first follow‐up (2 weeks), whereas for groups II and III, this progress was detected only after 6 weeks and 3 months, respectively. The PPT values did not change significantly. It was concluded that behavioural changes are effective in the management of pain in MMP patients. However, the simultaneous use of occlusal devices appears to produce an earlier improvement.     

Efficacy of stabilisation splint therapy combined with non‐splint multimodal therapy for treating RDC/TMD axis I patients: a randomised controlled trial

Stabilisation splint therapy has long been thought to be effective for the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, the superiority of stabilisation splint therapy compared to other TMD treatments remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of stabilisation splint therapy combined with non‐splint multimodal therapy for TMD. A total of 181 TMD participants were randomly allocated to a non‐splint multimodal therapy (NS) group (n = 85) or a non‐splint multimodal therapy plus stabilisation splint (NS+S) group (n = 96). Non‐splint multimodal therapy included self‐exercise of the jaw, cognitive–behavioural therapy, self‐management education and additional jaw manipulation. Three outcome measurements were used to assess treatment efficacy: mouth‐opening limitation, oro‐facial pain and temporomandibular joint sounds. A two‐factor repeated‐measures analysis of variance (anova ) was used to evaluate the efficacy of the two treatment modalities (NS vs. NS+S), and Scheffe's multiple comparison test was used to compare the treatment periods. Subgroup analyses were performed to disclose the splint effects for each TMD diagnostic group. All three parameters significantly decreased over time in both groups. However, there were no significant differences between the two treatment groups in the total comparison or subgroup analyses; an exception was the group with degenerative joint disease. No significant difference between the NS and NS+S treatment approaches was revealed in this study. Therefore, we conclude that the additional effects of stabilisation splint are not supported for patients with TMD during the application of multimodal therapy.     

2种咬合板治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病的临床疗效分析

目的：研究松弛型咬合板和稳定型咬合板治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病(TMD)的疗效。方法：选择以口颌面部疼痛为主诉的TMD患者68例(急性30例,慢性38例),每组分别戴用松弛型咬合板和稳定型咬合板,比较分析治疗前、后颞肌前束(TA)、咬肌(MM)肌电值及关节疼痛强度的变化。采用SPSS 11.0 软件包对数据进行方差分析和t检验。结果：①静息状态下,2种咬合板治疗后,患者双侧TA及MM肌电电位均较治疗前显著下降(P<0.05)。②紧咬状态下,松弛型咬合板治疗的急性组患者双侧TA及MM肌电电位均较治疗前显著上升,而慢性组患者仅双侧MM肌电电位较治疗前显著上升(P<0.05);稳定型咬合板治疗组患者双侧TA肌电电位治疗前后无显著差异,仅双侧MM肌电电位较治疗前显著上升。③2种咬合板治疗后,患者疼痛指数均较治疗前显著下降;但松弛型咬合板治疗后,在功能状态下,急性组患者疼痛缓解的程度更显著。结论：松弛型和稳定型咬合板均对咀嚼肌有松弛作用,能缓解TMD疼痛,但松弛型咬合板治疗急性TMD患者的疗效更加显著。     

Headache attributed to masticatory myofascial pain: impact on facial pain and pressure pain threshold

There is no clear evidence on how a headache attributed to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can hinder the improvement of facial pain and masticatory muscle pain. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of a TMD‐attributed headache on masticatory myofascial (MMF) pain management. The sample was comprised of adults with MMF pain measured according to the revised research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) and additionally diagnosed with (Group 1, n = 17) or without (Group 2, n = 20) a TMD‐attributed headache. Both groups received instructions on how to implement behavioural changes and use a stabilisation appliance for 5 months. The reported facial pain intensity (visual analogue scale – VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT – kgf cm^?2) of the anterior temporalis, masseter and right forearm were measured at three assessment time points. Two‐way anova was applied to the data, considering a 5% significance level. All groups had a reduction in their reported facial pain intensity (P < 0·001). Mean and standard deviation (SD) PPT values, from 1·33 (0·54) to 1·96 (1·06) kgf cm^?2 for the anterior temporalis in Group 1 (P = 0·016), and from 1·27 (0·35) to 1·72 (0·60) kgf cm^?2 for the masseter in Group 2 (P = 0·013), had significant improvement considering baseline versus the 5th‐month assessment. However, no differences between the groups were found (P > 0·100). A TMD‐attributed headache in patients with MMF pain does not negatively impact pain management, but does change the pattern for muscle pain improvement.     

The efficacy of occlusal appliance therapy in patients with temporomandibular disorders of mainly myogenous pain. A randomized controlled trial in a short-term perspective

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of physiotherapy and counselling for the treatment of myofascial pain of the jaw muscles. Sixty-three consecutive myogenous TMD patients, diagnosed according to the RDC-TMD criteria, were assigned to two treatment groups with a balanced-block randomization. The first group received only counselling with general information about self-care of jaw musculature. The second group received the same general information supplemented by self-massage, application of moist heating pads and stretching exercises of the masticatory muscles.
Treatment success was decided on treatment contrast (TC), based on relative changes of sufficiently large anamnestic and clinical scores ( van der Glas and van Grootel, 2000 ). Additional measurements included pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the masseter, anterior temporalis and Achilles' tendon, pain during gum chewing and spontaneous muscle pain scores rated on visual analogue scales (VAS). Data were collected at baseline and 3 months after start of treatment. Mann–Whitney's test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Sixteen patients dropped out from the study: eight from the counselling and eight from the physiotherapy group. The success rate was 13 of 23 (57%) patients for counselling and 18 of 24 (75%) for the physiotherapy group ( P  > 0·05). There was no significant difference between groups in all the other variables.
Over a short-term period, physiotherapy, as used in this protocol, does not appear superior to counselling for the treatment of TMD myofascial pain .     

不同类型咬合板缓解TMD疼痛症状的研究

目的:研究松弛型咬合板和稳定型咬合板缓解颞下颌关节紊乱病(TMD)疼痛症状的疗效。方法:选择TMD患者68例(急性期30例,慢性期38例),每组又分两个亚组,分别戴用松弛型咬合板和稳定型咬合板,使用视觉模拟量表评价患者治疗前后疼痛强度的变化。结果:①戴咬合板后静息状态下急、慢性组患者疼痛指数均较戴咬合板前明显下降(P<0.05),两种咬合板缓解疼痛的程度无明显差异;②戴咬合板后功能状态下急、慢性组患者疼痛指数均较戴咬合板前明显下降(P<0.05),但急性组戴松弛型咬合板疼痛缓解程度更显著。结论:松弛型和稳定型咬合板能缓解TMD疼痛,松弛型咬合板缓解TMD急性患者疼痛症状更显著。     

Comparison of device‐supported sensorimotor training and splint intervention for myofascial temporomandibular disorder pain patients

This study was to compare the short‐term therapeutic efficacy of device‐supported sensorimotor training with that of standard splint therapy for patients with myofascial temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain over a treatment period of 3 months. We tested the hypothesis that both types of intervention are equally effective for pain reduction. In addition, the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the temporal and masseter muscles was recorded under conditions of force‐controlled submaximum and maximum biting in intercuspation. Of consecutive patients seeking treatment for non‐odontogenic oro‐facial pain, 45 patients with myofascial TMD pain (graded chronic pain status, GCPS, I and II) were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups (sensorimotor training and conventional splint treatment). Patients were evaluated 4 times (initial examination, 2, 6 and 12 weeks later) by use of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Electromyographic activity was recorded at the initial session and after 3 months. Ease‐of‐use of the treatment options was also evaluated. Significant (P < .0001) pain reduction (sensorimotor training 53%, splint therapy 40%) was achieved for both groups, with no significant differences (P > .05) between the groups. Force‐controlled sub‐maximum normalized electromyographic activity was significantly different between T0 and T3 for group A (sensorimotor training, P < .05) but was not significantly different for group B (splint, P > .05). For normalized maximum‐biting EMG activity in intercuspation, however, a significant increase in EMG activity was observed for group A for the masseter and temporal muscles (P < .001) and for group B for the masseter muscle only (P < .001). Moreover, sensorimotor training was significantly (P < .05) less easy to use than the splint. The results of this study confirm the pain‐reducing effect of sensorimotor training for patients with myofascial TMD pain (GCPS I and II). This innovative active treatment might be a promising option for TMD pain patients.     

Clinical outcomes of patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction and erosive change of the temporomandibular joint after performance of unilateral arthrocentesis and stabilisation splint therapy

The efficacy of a combination treatment of arthrocentesis and stabilisation splint for patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) and erosive change of the TMJ remains controversial. To evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with ADDWoR and erosive change of the TMJ after performance of unilateral arthrocentesis and stabilisation splint therapy. A retrospective study of 44 patients (37 females, 7 males, mean age of 34 years) with bilateral ADDWoR and erosive change of the TMJ were included in this study. Their clinical outcomes before and after arthrocentesis and stabilisation splint therapy were compared. Evaluation criteria were as follows: (a) Maximal mouth opening (MMO); (b) Right and left maximal lateral movement (RLM, LLM) and maximal protrusive movement (PM); (c) Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score during MMO, RLM, LLM and PM; and (d) VAS pain score during palpation of masticatory muscles. Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mc Nemar test and paired t test were used for statistical analysis. Differences in VAS pain score between arthrocentesis and non-arthrocentesis sites were not statistically significant except MMO and LLM (P < .05) after 6 months. Differences in mean VAS pain scores for all variables between before arthrocentesis and 6 months follow-up in the arthrocentesis site were statistically significant. (P < .01). Unilateral arthrocentesis on more symptomatic TMJ and subsequent stabilisation splint therapy was highly successful for pain and achievement of normal range of mandibular movements in patients with both ADDWoR and bony change.     

Counselling and self‐management therapies for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review

The aim of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of counselling and other self‐management‐based therapies on muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain relief and increasing the functional abilities of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). A systematic literature review was conducted by three independent reviewers and included articles published up to 2012. PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases were used in addition to hand‐searching to assess clinical outcomes for counselling and self‐management approaches for TMD treatment. The review yielded 581 records that were narrowed down to 7. All included studies were classified as blind‐randomized controlled clinical trials. The selected articles analysed revealed that counselling was able to improve tenderness upon masticatory muscle palpation and maximum mouth opening with and without pain in patients with TMD, with similar results to those of interocclusal appliances approaches. Thus, counselling‐ and self‐management‐based therapies could be considered a conservative low‐cost and beneficial treatment alternative for treating TMD to potentially improve psychological domains and remove harmful behaviours for the control of the signs and symptoms of TMD.     

稳定型咬合板治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病疼痛症状的研究

目的：探讨稳定型咬合板治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病（TMD）疼痛的疗效。方法：TMD疼痛患者61例，急性组28例（男11例，女17例）；慢性组33例（男18例，女15例）。记录治疗前后疼痛指数，双侧颞肌前束（temporal anterior，TA）和咬肌（masseter muscle，MM）牙尖交错位最大紧咬时电位及最大紧咬时咬合接触情况。结果：（1）2组治疗后1月疼痛指数均明显低于治疗前（P〈0．05），治疗前后疼痛强度差值及显效率2组之间无显著差异（P〉0．05）。（2）治疗后无论是急性组还是慢性组TA及MM最大紧咬电位症状侧均较治疗前明显升高（P〈0．05），而非症状侧治疗前后无明显差异（P〉0．05）。（3）治疗后急性组TA和MM肌电不对称指数与治疗前相比均明显降低（P〈0．05）。治疗后肌电不对称指数TA慢性组明显高于急性组（P〈0．05），而MM无明显差异（P〉0．05）。（4）2组治疗前后左、右两侧咬合接触点数、以及咬合接触不对称指数无明显差异（P〉0．05）。结论：稳定型咬合板治疗可以明显缓解TMD疼痛，但对急、慢性疼痛的缓解程度无明显差异。其机制可能与肌功能活动情况易于得到明显改善等生理学基础有关。     

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??Objective??To observe and analyze the clinical effect of the stabilization splint and the occlusal reconstruction treatment on patients with masticatory muscle pain. Methods??Totally 20 patients with masticatory muscle pain who visited General Department and Prosthodontics Department of Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of China Medical University from September 2016 to May 2018 were given the stabilization splint therapy and the occlusal reconstruction treatment. Analyze the visual analogue scale??VAS????electromyographic pattern and Friction temporomandibular joint dysfunction index before treatment??T0????three months after the stabilization splint therapy??T1????when occlusal reconstruction was finished??T2??and three months later??T3??. Results??Statistical analysis showed that VAS??the electromyographic signal of anterior temporalis and masseters in mandibular postural position??asymmetry index of masseter muscles and temporalis muscles and Friction temporomandibular joint dysfunction index in T1??T2 and T3 were significantly lower than those in T0??P < 0.05??. The electromyographic signal were dramatically increased in intercuspal position ??P < 0.05??. No significant difference was shown in VAS??the electromyographic signal of anterior temporalis and masseters??asymmetry index of masseter muscles and temporalis muscles??or Friction temporomandibular joint dysfunction index in T1??T2 and T3??P > 0.05??. Conclusion??The stabilization splint therapy is effective on patients with masticatory muscle pain??and the occlusal reconstruction treatment is able to maintain these effects.     

稳定型咬合板配合咬合重建治疗咀嚼肌疼痛疗效评价

目的　评价稳定型咬合板配合咬合重建治疗咀嚼肌疼痛的疗效。方法　选取2016年9月至2018年5月于中国医科大学附属口腔医院综合科及修复一科行稳定型咬合板及咬合重建序列治疗的咀嚼肌疼痛患者20例。分析治疗前（T0期）、佩戴咬合板3个月后（T1期）、咬合重建完成即刻（T2期）及咬合重建完成3个月后（T3期）的疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）、肌电图及Friction颞下颌关节紊乱指数的变化。结果　T1、T2、T3期患者VAS评分、下颌姿势位时颞肌咬肌的肌电活性、颞肌咬肌不对称指数及Friction颞下颌关节紊乱指数均较T0期显著降低,差异有统计学意义（均P < 0.05）;最大紧咬牙时颞肌咬肌的肌电活性较T0期明显增高,差异有统计学意义（均P < 0.05）。T1、T2、T3期患者之间的VAS评分、颞肌咬肌的肌电活性、颞肌咬肌不对称指数及Friction颞下颌关节紊乱指数差异无统计学意义（均P > 0.05）。结论　稳定型咬合板可有效治疗咀嚼肌疼痛,咬合重建序列治疗能很好维持其疗效。     

Contact sensitivity reactions in the oral mucosa

In clinical practice, it is commonly assumed that occlusal splints have therapeutic value in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but the evidence based on randomized controlled trials is scarce. This study evaluated the short-term (10-week) efficacy of a stabilization splint in subjects with recurrent secondary otalgia and active TMD treatment need using a randomized, controlled, double-blind design. Thirty-six subjects were randomly allocated to the two treatment groups: the stabilization splint and the control splint group. After 10 weeks' treatment, the intensity of secondary otalgia, measured on a VAS scale (from 0 to 100 mm), decreased statistically significantly in the stabilization splint group (t 2.12; P 0.006), but not in the control group. Improvement in active TMD treatment need in subjects showing moderate or severe signs and symptoms of TMD was reported significantly more often in the stabilization splint group than in the control splint group (χ² 5.71; P .017). A statistically significant decrease in the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index was seen in the subjects with stabilization splint (Z -2.63; P .009), but not in the subjects with control splint. The results indicate that the use of a stabilization splint is beneficial with regard to secondary otalgia and active TMD treatment need.     

Association between sleep bruxism and temporomandibular disorders: a polysomnographic pilot study

The aim of this study was to verify the association between sleep bruxism (SB) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a sample of 14 TMD patients and 12 healthy control subjects. All participants were evaluated using a clinical questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) for TMJ/muscle palpation, and by functional examination. The experimental group was divided into three TMD subgroups: joint sounds and pain, muscular tenderness, and mixed diagnosis. All participants underwent polysomnographic recording (PSG). A second clinical examination was then carried out to verify the relationship between rhythmic masticatory muscle activity and pain/tenderness on the following morning. The experimental and control groups presented VAS mean scores of 36.85 +/- 23.73 mm and 0 mm, respectively. The presence of SB was neither associated with TMD (p > 0.05) nor with pain on palpation (p > 0.05). Further research with a more representative sample of each TMD subgroup is necessary to elucidate its interaction with SB.     

Correlation of splint therapy outcome with the electromyography of masticatory muscles in temporomandibular disorder with myofascial pain

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of occlusal splint therapy on the electromyographic amplitude records (μV) of masticatory muscles in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) with myofascial pain and to detect a possible existence of a relationship between this effect and the treatment outcome. Materials and methods. Forty patients (23 females and 17 males) having TMD with myofascial pain were included in this study. They were randomly divided into two equal groups (20 of each). The first group (A) was treated by occlusal splints for 6 months while the second group (B) acted as a control. A clinical assessment and surface electromyography (EMG) for the masticatory muscles were performed at the beginning of the study, then 6 months later. The collected data were statistically analyzed using paired t-test. The differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results. The results showed that 85% of group A either completely recovered (35%) or clinically improved (50%) while only 20% of group B had a spontaneous improvement. In group A, the means of the electromyographic amplitude records (μV) of the monitored muscles have decreased after 6 months. However, the decrease was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) in the patients (15%) who had no clinical changes. In group B, the means of the muscles' records (μV) in the left side slightly increased while those of the right side slightly decreased. These changes were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Occlusal splint could eliminate or improve the signs and symptoms of TMD patients with myofascial pain. It reduces the electromyographic amplitude records (μV) of the masticatory muscles. The splint therapy outcome has a correlation with the electromyographic amplitude changes of the masticatory muscles.     

The association between forward head posture and masticatory muscle pressure pain thresholds in patients with temporomandibular joint dissorders: a cross-sectional observational study

Objectives

Forward head posture (FHP) is common in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs); however, whether it contributes to TMD symptoms remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between (1) FHP and masticatory muscle pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and (2) neck muscle and masticatory muscle PPTs.

Materials and methods

A total of 145 patients diagnosed with TMD were recruited between December 2020 and April 2021. Data regarding FHP and neck and masticatory muscle PPTs were collected. FHP was characterized by the craniocervical angle (CVA) measured between the horizontal line through C7 and the line between the tragus of the ear and C7. Patients were divided into either the FHP group (CVA?≤?51°) or the non-FHP group. Differences in the masseter and temporalis muscle PPTs between the two groups were analyzed using the Mann‐Whitney U test. The correlation between the CVA, neck, and masticatory muscle PPTs in all patients was determined by Spearman’s correlation analysis.

Results

There were 70 patients in the FHP group and 75 patients in the non-FHP group. No significant difference in masseter and temporalis muscle PPTs was found between the two groups (p?>?0.05). No correlation was found between FHP and masticatory muscle PPTs (p?>?0.05). A significant association was found between the neck muscle and masticatory muscle PPTs (p?<?0.05). The C5–C6 pillar and masticatory PPTs were either moderately (r?=?0.435, masseter muscle) or strongly (r?=?0.608, temporalis muscle) correlated, while the correlation between the trapezius and masticatory muscles was moderate (r?=?0.378, masseter muscle and r?=?0.461, temporalis muscle).

Conclusion

FHP was not directly associated with masticatory muscle PPTs. Masticatory muscle PPTs were strongly or moderately associated with neck muscle PPTs. Therefore, the presence of neck pain, not the degree of FHP, in patients with TMD is of significance.

Clinical relevance

In TMD treatment, we should pay attention to and actively relieve neck pain.

     

Role of psychosocial factors on treatment outcome of temporomandibular disorders

Objectives: The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effect of depressive and non-specific physical symptoms on treatment outcome of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Material and methods: Eighty TMD patients were randomly assigned to splint group (n?=?39) and control group (n?=?41). The patients were classified in terms of depressive and non-specific physical symptoms as normal, moderate or severe using Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis II protocol. The effect of depressive and non-specific physical symptoms on the intensity of facial pain, as measured with visual analogue scale (VAS) was estimated with linear mixed models. The patients’ subjective estimates of the effects of treatment and TMD symptom severity were inquired at 1-year follow-up.

Results: At baseline and during the follow-up there were no significant differences in VAS scores between patients in different Axis II subscales. According to the mixed linear regression, depressiveness or nonspecific physical symptoms separately were not significantly associated with the VAS during the study. The association of VAS with depressive (p?=?.073) and nonspecific physical symptoms (p?=?.088) approximated statistical significance. Patients with moderate or severe nonspecific physical symptoms (with pain items) at baseline had more frequently moderate, severe or intolerable TMD symptoms after the treatment compared to those who were classified in normal subgroup.

Conclusions: The present study gave some indication of a possible negative effect of depressive and nonspecific physical symptoms (with pain items) on TMD treatment response. However, the results should be regarded as preliminary, and further studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm the results.