Relationship between temporomandibular joint pain and magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

The purpose of this study was to evaluate abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. This study included 245 joints of 152 patients with temporomandibular disorders with anterior disc displacement; of these, 129 joints had joint pain whereas 116 joints had no joint pain. MRI was used to evaluate the reduction of anterior disc displacement, joint effusion, mandible condylar morphology, bone marrow oedema of the mandibular condyle, and signal intensity of the posterior disc attachment (PDA) on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. The odds ratio (OR) for each MRI variable for the pain group versus the no pain group was computed using logistic regression analysis. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed significant correlations between TMJ pain and all MRI findings. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant correlations with joint effusion (P = 0.03, OR 2.21), bone marrow oedema (P < 0.001, OR 11.75), and signal intensity of the PDA (P < 0.001, OR 6.21). These results suggest that bone marrow oedema, high signal intensity of the PDA on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images, and joint effusion, in descending order of influence, are factors related to TMJ pain.     

A longitudinal study on the osteoarthritic change of the temporomandibular joint based on 1-year follow-up computed tomography

This study aims to report the results of a 1-year computed tomographic (CT) follow up of 54 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) affected by osteoarthritis (OA) and to provide longitudinal information on changes in OA and its relationship with clinical signs and symptoms. TMJ OA was diagnosed by history, clinical and CT examinations. The second CT examination was done after about 1 year of conservative treatment. Joints were divided into three groups labeled as no change, improved CT, and worsened CT groups depending on the longitudinal bony change of OA observed in the CT. The sex distribution, mean age, joint noise, subjective pain, joint tenderness, masticatory muscle tenderness, and improvement of subjective symptoms were not different between the groups at the first and second examination, while maximum (p < 0.01) and painless mouth opening range (p < 0.001) at the first examination were both smaller in the worsened CT group. Although the clinical signs and symptoms of OA were improved in 40 joints, 74.1%, at 7.2 ± 4.6 months, the amount if improvement did not differ between the groups. The extent of the destructive change of the condyle was highest in the improved CT group at the first (p < 0.001) and in the worsened CT group at the second examination (p < 0.001). These results imply that the prognosis of OA changes may be independent of the clinical signs and symptoms. More specific longitudinal information as regards OA changes of the TMJ based on a larger sample and a longer follow-up period would be likely to provide a better understanding of TMJ OA.     

Evaluation of prolotherapy in comparison with occlusal splints in treating internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint – A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy with that of occlusal splints in treating internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.Patients and methodsA total of 34 patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement classed as Wilkes stages II or III were recruited for the study, and were randomly divided into study and control groups with 17 patients each. The patients in these control and study groups were treated with splints and prolotherapy, respectively. Outcome parameters, such as pain, mouth opening, clicking and deviation, were assessed using the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index for a review period of 1 year.ResultsNine patients in the study group had complete absence of pain, compared with only one patient in the control group. The results showed that patients who received prolotherapy demonstrated improvement in pain (p < 0.001), mouth opening (p = 0.032), and clicking (p < 0.001), but no significant difference in deviation was observed between the groups after 1 year (p = 0.862).ConclusionProlotherapy was found to be superior in providing long-term clinical relief, with reduction in pain and clicking along with improved mouth opening.     

Evaluating the remodeling of condyles reconstructed by transport distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the remodeling of condyles reconstructed by transport distraction osteogenesis (DO) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.Patients and methodsTwenty-one patients with 26 affected joints were followed up for 34.1 ± 13.3 months. Patients who had undergone gap arthroplasty and TMJ reconstruction by DO were included. Maximal mouth opening (MMO) and occlusion were recorded. Computed tomography images were obtained preoperatively (T0), upon completing distraction (T1), upon removal of the distraction device (T2), and >2 years postoperatively (T3). The following were measured: mandibular ramus height, distance between gonion and Frankfurt plane (Go–FN), condylar width, and condyle–ramus angulation.ResultsOf the 21 patients, one showed re-ankylosis, while five exhibited anterior open bite. From T1 to T3, the total amount of resorption of ramus height reached up to 8.2 ± 4.6 mm (p < 0.001), in comparison with a total distraction length of 13.8 ± 4.1 mm; the mean resorption rate was 59.4%. Similarly, Go–FN decreased by 6.2 ± 4.0 mm (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings indicated that DO combined with gap arthroplasty was an effective method for the treatment of TMJ ankylosis to improve MMO. The reconstructed condyle exhibited a high frequency of resorption in height.     

Repeated sodium hyaluronate injections following multiple arthrocenteses in the treatment of early stage reducing disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint: A preliminary report

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the safety and clinical utility of intraarticular injection of sodium hyaluronate for the treatment of symptoms associated with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Patients and methodsTwenty patients, who have early stage temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), were treated with intraarticular sodium hyaluronate injection and arthrocentesis. The patients received sodium hyaluronate (15 mg/ml) (1 ml) injections two times a week first following arthrocentesis with 200 ml Ringer’s Lactate and the second without. The procedure was repeated for three times at weekly intervals for 3 weeks. Pre- and postinjection pain intensity, the presence of joint sounds, and interincisial distance were recorded. These data were evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsThe follow-up period was 6 months. There was a statistically significant reduction of pain intensity (p < 0.001) and joint sound (p < 0.001) in all patients. Initial measurement of maximal mouth opening (MMO) was 33.40 ± 3.75 mm. At the end of the follow-up period, the same measurements were repeated and interincisal distance was 49.3 ± 3.74 mm. The difference between these measurements was statistically significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionWe suggest that repeated sodium hyaluronate injections following multiple arthrocenteses with Ringer’s Lactate is an effective and safe method for the treatment of early stage reducing disc displacement of TMJ.     

Analysis of mandibular motion following unilateral and bilateral alloplastic TMJ reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to analyse the masticatory patterns and range of motion (maximal incisal opening (MIO), protrusion and lateral excursion) in patients who have had unilateral and bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement with an alloplastic prosthesis, and compare them to each other and to normal controls. Mandibular motion was examined in 18 patients, who had undergone alloplastic TMJ reconstruction, 13 with a bilateral prosthesis and 5 with a unilateral prosthesis, and in 13 normal controls. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) for MIO and maximum lateral excursion was observed between the bilateral group and the control group. Maximum protrusion was only statistically significantly different (P < 0.05) between the bilateral group and the control group. For the unilateral group, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) was seen only with maximum contralateral excursion when compared with controls. No statistically significant difference existed in MIO and protrusion between the unilateral and bilateral groups. Even though maximum ipsilateral lateral excursion was greater for the unilateral group than either left or right maximum lateral excursion by the bilateral group, this difference was not statistically significant. This study provided an in vivo analysis of mandibular motion following alloplastic TMJ reconstruction.     

Temporomandibular dysfunction post-craniotomy: Evaluation between pre- and post-operative status

ObjectiveTo identify risk factors associated with post-operative temporomandibular joint dysfunction after craniotomy.MethodsThe study sample included 24 patients, mean age of 37.3 ± 10 years; eligible for surgery for refractory epilepsy, evaluated according to RDC/TMD before and after surgery. The primary predictor was the time after the surgery. The primary outcome variable was maximal mouth opening. Other outcome variables were: disc displacement, bruxism, TMJ sound, TMJ pain, and pain associated to mandibular movements. Data analyses were performed using bivariate and multiple regression methods.ResultsThe maximal mouth opening was significantly reduced after surgery in all patients (p = 0.03). In the multiple regression model, time of evaluation and pre-operative bruxism were significantly (p < .05) associated with an increased risk for TMD post-surgery.ConclusionA significant correlation between surgery follow-up time and maximal opening mouth was found. Pre-operative bruxism was associated with increased risk for temporomandibular joint dysfunction after craniotomy.     

Arthroscopic disc fixation to the condylar head. Use of resorbable pins for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (stage II–IV). Preliminary report of 34 joints

AimThe study describes the arthoscopic use of resorbable pins for the internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint with McCain's technique. Clinical and image features are reported retrospectively.MethodsTwenty-seven consecutive patients (34 joints) were included. Symptomatic internal derangement and anterior-medial disc displacement with or without reduction in magnetic resonance images (MRI) were diagnosed in all cases. Two resorbable pins (SmartNail) were placed in each joint employing arthroscopic surgery with a third portal for disc recapture and fixation to condylar head.Clinical data 24 months after surgery are reported (movements, pain score, clicking, laterodeviation, occlusal changes). In eight joints a MRI control was required between 1 and 2 years after surgery.ResultsVisual analogue scale values (0–100) decreased from 70.8 to 11.9 (p < 0.001) in the first control (week) and kept down after 24 months of follow-up (VAS: 4.8). Movements began to recover in 3 months and mouth opening increased from 34 mm to 43.2 mm 1 year after surgery (p < 0.001). Clicking, laterodeviation and contralateral excursions improvement were statistically significant (p < 0.001). MRI showed disc fixation to condyle head in closed and opened mouth.ConclusionDisc fixation to condylar head with resorbable pins is a safe and satisfactory procedure. Pain becomes drastically reduced and mandibular function recovers normal parameters in patients with internal derangement     

Association between maximum mouth opening and area of bony fusion in simulated temporomandibular joint bony ankylosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the quantitative association between active/passive maximum mouth opening (AMMO/PMMO) and the severity of simulated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony ankylosis. Twenty-eight male sheep were divided randomly and equally into surgical and control groups. Surgical group animals underwent bilateral TMJ osteotomy during which left lateral pterygoid muscle function was blocked. Control animals did not undergo surgery. Body weight, AMMO/PMMO, and TMJ morphological features were evaluated preoperatively and at 12 and 24 weeks post-surgery. In the surgical group, only the right TMJ complexes with maintained lateral pterygoid muscle function developed TMJ bony ankylosis. The AMMO/PMMO and end-feel distance in the surgical group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001, both) at 12 and 24 weeks post-surgery. Moreover, AMMO (r = −0.940 and −0.952, P < 0.001, both) and PMMO (r = −0.944 and −0.953, P < 0.001, both) were negatively correlated with the area (mm²) of bony fusion post-surgery. These findings may be useful for the clinical treatment of early mandibular condyle fracture, with the use of occlusal pads/open-mouth plates to relax the lateral pterygoid muscle and block its function. When bony ankylosis developed in the TMJ, the greater the area of bony fusion, the more limited were AMMO/PMMO.     

Modified arthroscopic anterior myotomy for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint: clinical and radiological results

The aim of this study was to present the results of a modification of the arthroscopic anterior myotomy for the treatment of internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): the minimally invasive arthroscopic anterior myotomy (MIAAM). Fifteen joints with Wilkes stages III–IV ID treated with this technique were studied. Clinical data evaluated were pain (visual analogue scale, VAS) and articular movements (preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperative). The position of the disc at 1 year after surgery was compared with the pre-surgical position, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mean pain level according to the VAS decreased from of 67.8 pre-surgery to 29.0 at the 12-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Functionally, mouth opening increased from a mean 27.8 mm to 36.0 mm (P < 0.001). Evaluation of the MRI images showed statistically significant improvements in disc position in both the closed (P = 0.00002) and open-mouth (P = 0.00001) position. The incidence of re-arthroscopy was 13.3% (2/15). This procedure is an effective method for the improvement of joint function and reduction of pain in patients with ID of the TMJ. However, MIAAM is moderately effective in regards to repositioning of the disc.     

The posterior double pass suture in repositioning of the temporomandibular disc during arthroscopic surgery: A report of 16 cases

Aim

Several procedures have been described to reposition and secure the disc during arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint. The usefulness of these procedures remains controversial since simple lysis and lavage shows a high percentage of clinical success and it is difficult to obtain radiological imaging of the surgically acquired new disc position. This report describes a new arthroscopic discopexy method, and the clinical as well as radiological results obtained with this new technique.

Methods

Sixteen patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction (TMD) were treated using our discopexy method. Each patient was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, radiological and functional parameters. The evaluation also included a clinical examination. Each patient was recorded at baseline before surgery and at a one-year follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the differences in VAS, maximum opening and lateral movements before and after treatment and were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05.

Results

Patient evaluation showed an improvement in the clinical parameters. There were statistically significant reductions in the amount of pain according to the VAS (p < 0.01). Maximal interincisal opening (MIO) and contralateral translation movement (CTM) (p < 0.05) were substantially improved one-year after operation. In the post-surgical MRI study at the one-year follow-up, a significant improvement in the disc position was observed in 13 out of the 16 joints operated on.

Conclusion

This method of arthroscopic disc repositioning is an effective surgical method for treating symptomatic patients with a diagnosis of TMJ disc displacement. Because of the minimally invasive character of the procedure, it should be considered in the surgical treatment of TMJ dysfunction.     

Reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint: a comparison between prefabricated and customized alloplastic prosthetic total joint systems

The implantation of an alloplastic total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis is an innovative approach for the treatment of end-stage TMJ disorders. Two types of system exist: prefabricated (stock) and customized computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) devices. A clinical study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of these two designs. Twenty-eight patients treated between 2015 and 2017 were included and assigned to two groups: stock prostheses (group 1) and customized CAD/CAM prostheses (group 2). Clinical evaluations were performed at five time-points up to 6 months postoperative. Parameters included maximum interincisal opening, pain, diet, complications, and subjective well-being at the end of follow-up. Differences between pre-surgery and 6-month post-surgery values were highly significant (P < 0.001). No patient required a liquid diet at the end of treatment, and 66% of group 1 patients and 100% of group 2 patients reported improved well-being. Complications were observed in 32% of patients and included temporary paralysis of the facial nerve. In conclusion, clinical outcomes of stock and CAD/CAM prostheses suggested great improvements in mouth opening and reduction of pain as a result of the rehabilitation of TMJ function. Results showed comparable data for the two types of prosthesis design at 6 months postoperative.     

Prospective comparison study of one-year outcomes for all titanium total temporomandibular joint replacements in patients allergic to metal and cobalt–chromium replacement joints in patients not allergic to metal

We aimed to ascertain whether there are any early differences in outcome between all titanium temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses in patients allergic to metal and standard cobalt–chromium prostheses in patients not allergic to metal. All patients who had primary TMJ prostheses placed with one-year follow-up between March 2003 and February 2011 were included. We reviewed the basic characteristics of patients. The outcome variables measured included disease, pain, mouth opening, and diet. A total of 55 patients with 77 joint replacements fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Forty patients had standard cobalt–chromium alloy (Co–Cr–Mo) prostheses (20 unilateral and 20 bilateral), and 15 had all titanium prostheses (13 unilateral and 2 bilateral). Osteoarthritis was the most common disease in both groups. There was significant improvement in pain score at reviews at 6 weeks (p = 0.001) and 12 months (p = 0.03). Values between groups were not significant (p = 0.48 at 6 weeks, and p = 0.10 at 1 year). Mouth opening in each group improved significantly with continued gains between assessments at 6 weeks and 12 months (p = 0.001) but there were no significant differences between groups. Diet scores were significantly improved one year postoperatively in both groups (p = 0.001), but differences between groups were not significant (p = 0.90). At one year, outcomes for all titanium prostheses in patients allergic to metal were similarly favourable to those in patients who had no hypersensitivity to metal and had standard prostheses. No patient developed a hypersensitivity reaction, and no all titanium prosthesis failed during the one-year follow-up period.     

Assessment of lateral pterygoid muscle and temporomandibular joint disc after Le Fort I osteotomy with and without intentional pterygoid plate fracture and sagittal split ramus osteotomy in class II and class III patients

The aim of the study was to examine lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc before and after Le Fort I osteotomy with and without intentional pterygoid plate fracture and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) in class II and class III patients.Le Fort I osteotomy and SSRO were performed in class II and class III patients. LPM measurements using oblique sagittal computed tomography (CT) images and TMJ disc position using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were examined. Statistical comparisons were performed for the LPM and TMJ between class II and class III patients and between those with and without intentional pterygoid plate fracture in Le Fort I osteotomy.The subjects comprised 60 female patients (120 sides), with 30 diagnosed as class II and 30 as class III. Preoperatively, the width of the condylar attachment, width at eminence, length of the LPM, angle of the LPM, and square of the LPM were significantly smaller in the class II group than in the class III group (p < 0.05). After 1 year, the width of the condylar attachment, width at eminence, and angle of the LPM remained significantly smaller in the class II group than in the class III group (p < 0.0001). TMJ disc position was significantly related to the width of the condylar attachment of the LPM, both pre- and postoperatively (p < 0.0001). However, postoperative disc position did not change in all patients. Next, the class II patients (60 sides) were divided into two groups who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy with or without intentional pterygoid plate fracture. Changes in all measurements of the LPM showed no significant differences between these two groups.Our study suggested that TMJ disc position classification could be associated with the width of condylar attachment of the LPM before and after surgery, while the surgical procedure, including Le Fort I osteotomy with intentional pterygoid plate fracture, might not affect postoperative LMP or disc position in class II patients.     

Neurosensory assessment in patients with total reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint

Somatosensory sensitivity and postoperative endogenous pain modulation have not been investigated in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis patients. The objectives of this study were to assess somatosensory function at the TMJ and examine possible differences in conditioned pain modulation (CPM) between patients with total TMJ prostheses (n = 7) and a reference group of healthy controls (n = 20). Somatosensory abnormalities were assessed using quantitative sensory testing (QST), which encompasses thermal and mechanical testing procedures. CPM was tested by comparing pressure pain thresholds (PPT) before (baseline), during, and after the application of painful and non-painful cold stimuli. PPTs were measured at the TMJ and thenar eminence (control). The effect of CPM on PPT values was tested with analysis of variance. Three patients exhibited mixed somatosensory loss (i.e., decreased thermal and mechanical detection) with mixed hyperalgesia (i.e., increased sensitivity to thermal and mechanical pain) and two patients exhibited mixed loss with only mechanical hyperalgesia. There was a significant decrease in pressure pain sensitivity at both sites during painful cold application in healthy controls (P < 0.001) but not in patients (P = 0.476). In conclusion, QST measures demonstrated somatosensory abnormalities in patients with total TMJ prostheses. Noxious conditioning cold stimuli evoked CPM-like effects in healthy subjects but not in patients with TMJ reconstruction.     

The use of pseudo-dynamic magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating the relationship between temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement and joint pain

The relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding of articular disc displacement is debated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between TMJ pain and anterior disc displacement (ADD) using pseudo-dynamic MRI. A retrospective review of MRI studies was carried out on 130 TMJs in 65 patients presenting unilateral TMJ pain. The contralateral asymptomatic joints served as the control group. Bilateral oblique sagittal and coronal MRIs as well as pseudo-dynamic studies in the oblique sagittal plane were obtained. The disc–condyle relationship was divided into three subtypes (normal disc position, ADD with reduction, and ADD without reduction), based on the pseudo-dynamic MRI findings. Fisher's exact test was used to determine whether the TMJ pain was linked to ADD. The results showed that TMJ pain was significantly related to ADD (with and without reduction) compared to the group with a normal disc position (P = .0001). A significant correlation was found between TMJ pain and the ADD subtype without reduction, as compared to the ADD subtype with reduction (P = .0156). These data suggest that a displaced disc, particularly in the subtype without reduction, is an important source of pain.     

Long-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic discopexy with resorbable pins

IntroductionDiscopexy using resorbable pins is an arthroscopic technique to treat internal derangement of the TMJ, restoring the normal relationship between disc, condyle, and temporal bone. The objective of our study was to assess the 5-year clinical outcome of a series of patients treated with this technique.MethodsA study was conducted on a series of patients who underwent arthroscopic discopexy using resorbable pins between January 2007 and February 2018. All the patients were refractory to conservative treatment and classified as Wilkes stage III. Clinical data were recorded at 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year visits. Pre- and postoperative evaluation parameters were: joint pain (VAS scale), mandibular movements (mm), and articular locking and clicking.ResultsThe study included 33 patients and the technique was performed in 38 joints. Mouth opening increased significantly with each visit after surgery compared with preoperative scores (mean value of 10.65 mm, p < 0.001), with the mean value increasing significantly at the 5-year visit in relation to the mean value obtained at the 3-year visit. Patients reported significant decreases in pain after surgery, obtaining VAS values of under 10 at the 5-year visit (mean improvement of 56.95 points, p < 0.001).ConclusionsDiscopexy using resorbable pins resulted in a good and stable clinical outcome at the long-term follow-up.     

Effects of four treatment strategies for temporomandibular joint closed lock

A previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Schiffman et al. (2007)¹⁵ compared four treatments strategies for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction with limited mouth opening (closed lock). In this parallel group RCT, 106 patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-confirmed TMJ closed lock were randomized between medical management, non-surgical rehabilitation, arthroscopic surgery, and arthroplasty. Surgical groups also received rehabilitation post-surgically. The current paper reassesses the effectiveness of these four treatment strategies using outcome measures recommended by the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IAOMS). Clinical assessments at baseline and at follow-up (3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 60 months) included intensity and frequency of TMJ pain, mandibular range of motion, TMJ sounds, and impairment of chewing. TMJ MRIs were performed at baseline and 24 months, and TMJ tomograms at baseline, 24 and 60 months. Most IAOMS recommended outcome measures improved significantly over time (P ≤ 0.0003). There was no difference between treatment strategies relative to any treatment outcome at any follow-up (P ≥ 0.16). Patient self-assessment of treatment success correlated with their ability to eat, with pain-free opening ≥35 mm, and with reduced pain intensity. Given no difference between treatment strategies, non-surgical treatment should be employed for TMJ closed lock before considering surgery.     

Does glucosamine,chondroitin sulfate,and methylsulfonylmethane supplementation improve the outcome of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis management with arthrocentesis plus intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection. A randomized clinical trial

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes obtained with the use of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane (GCM) supplementation after arthrocentesis plus intraarticular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection.A randomized clinical trial was implemented with adult participants with TMJ-OA who were referred to the author’s clinic between February 2014 and May 2015. The sample was entirely composed of patients with TMJ-OA who were treated randomly with a one-session arthrocentesis plus intraarticular HA injection only (control group), or an initial one-session arthrocentesis plus intraarticular HA injection followed by 3 months of GCM supplementation (study group). The predictor variable was management (treatment) technique. The outcome variables were visual analog scale evaluations (masticatory efficiency, pain complaint, joint sound) and mandibular mobility (maximal interincisal opening [MIO], and lateral and protrusive motions of the mandible). The outcome variables were recorded preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively.Thirty-one participants were enrolled in the study. Five were lost during follow-up. The final study sample consisted of 26 participants (age 28.35 ± 10.85 y): 14 in the control group (age 28.71 ± 10.94 y); and 12 in the study group (age 27.92 ± 11.20 y). Pain complaints (p < 0.001) and joint sounds (p = 0.030 for the control group; p = 0.023 for the study group) showed statistically significant decreases. Masticatory efficiency (p < 0.001 for the control group; p = 0.040 for the study group) and lateral mandibular motion (p = 0.040 for the control group; p = 0.004 for study group) showed statistically significant increases in both groups, whereas MIO and protrusive mandibular motion showed no significant changes in either group (p > 0.05). After estimating the differences between the follow-up and baseline outcomes, the mean changes in the primary outcome variables (VAS scores, MIO, and mandibular motion) showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05).Progressions (reparative remodeling) of hard-tissue TMJ structures were observed on CBCT scans of some participants in both groups.These findings suggested that the use of GCM supplementation after arthrocentesis plus intraarticular HA injection produced no additional clinical benefits or improvements for patients with TMJ-OA compared with arthrocentesis plus intraarticular HA injection alone.     

Open versus closed treatment for unilateral mandibular extra-capsular condylar fractures: A meta-analysis

PurposeTo compare the functional outcomes between open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction (CR) for unilateral mandibular extra-capsular condylar fractures in patients over 12 years old.Materials and methodsA comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted up to October 31, 2018. The evaluated functional outcomes included malocclusion, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, protrusion, laterotrusion, maximum inter-incisal opening and lateral deviation during maximum inter-incisal opening.ResultsFourteen studies appeared to meet the inclusion criteria. Statistically significant differences between ORIF and CR treatment were observed for the outcomes of malocclusion (P = 0.001), maximum inter-incisal opening (P = 0.0008), lateral deviation during maximum inter-incisal opening (P = 0.007) and laterotrusion (P < 0.0001), but not for the outcomes of protrusion (P = 0.33) and TMJ pain (P = 0.29).ConclusionsORIF treatment of unilateral mandibular extra-capsular condylar fractures provides better functional outcomes in comparison to CR treatment with regard to occlusion, maximum inter-incisal opening, lateral deviation during maximum inter-incisal opening and laterotrusion, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between ORIF and CR group with regard to protrusion and TMJ pain.