Evaluation of the effectiveness of different puncture points for second cannula in double puncture arthrocentesis of temporomandibular joint

The study at checking if treatment outcomes in double puncture temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis (DPTMJA) changed when the puncture points of the second cannula punctate were changed.Using a retrospective cohort study design, the investigators enrolled a sample of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD, internal derangement) patients receiving DPTMJA. The decision of whether to perform a modified or traditional arthrocentesis was made by the patients: Patients who accepted the close cannula relationship were evaluated as group 1 (modification group), and those who did not agree as group 2 (traditional group). The predictor variable was puncture points of the second cannula (close to vs. far from the first cannula; group 1 and 2, respectively). The main outcome variables included maximum mouth opening (MMO), and pain assessed using a Likert-type (0–10) visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment and at 1st day and 3rd months intervals. Appropriate statistics were computed using P < .05 was considered significant.The study sample comprised 32 patients (93.8% females; 50% in each study arm) with an average age of 36.9 ± 15.3 years (range, 18–78). Although, patient age and gender, and baseline VAS in both groups were not significant different (P > .05), the baseline MMO in group 2 was significant higher than that in group 1 (P = .03). The within-group analyses demonstrated the significant improvement of both MMO and VAS at postoperative month 3 (P < .05). However, the between-group analyses rejected the significant differences between the 2 groups at day 1 and month 3 (P > .05).Within the limitations of the study the choice of one or the other technique should be left to the discretion of the surgeon.     

An arthroscopic technique for closure of perforations in temporomandibular joint retrodiscal tissues

The objective of this retrospective study was to introduce and evaluate an arthroscopic discopexy for closure of retrodiscal tissue perforations. A total of 112 patients (135 joints) receiving an arthroscopic discopexy for management of retrodiscal tissue perforations between January 2016 and September 2019 were included. Pre- and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO), as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, were collected and analysed. Success was recorded when the disc position was >11 o’clock, VAS pain score <3, and MIO>25 mm. For patients with a condyle deformity, postoperative bone remodelling was also recorded. The VAS pain score decreased from 3.04 ± 2.66 preoperatively to 0.88 ± 1.13 at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001) and MIO increased from 33.90 ± 7.39 mm to 35.19 ± 6.14 mm (P = 0.029). MRI evaluation revealed that 133 discs were successfully repositioned back on top of the condyle. Among these, 11 joints were associated with either VAS pain score ≥3 or MIO ≤25 mm. Therefore, a success rate of 90.4% (122/135) was achieved at 12 months postoperative. Bone remodelling was detected in 72 joints. Arthroscopic discopexy is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for retrodiscal tissue perforations that achieves the purpose of simultaneously restoring the intra-articular structures and relieving clinical symptoms.     

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.     

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     

Clinical comparison between arthrocentesis and conventional conservative treatment with maxillomandibular fixation for unilateral high condylar fractures

This study aimed to compare the effects of arthrocentesis and conventional closed reduction for unilateral mandibular condyle fractures. A total of 30 patients with unilateral condylar fractures were evaluated. Patients with a high condylar fracture and magnetic resonance evidence of joint effusion (JE) were divided into two groups: those treated with intra‐articular irrigation and betamethasone injection (group I) and those given conservative treatment and rigid maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) (group II). All patients were assessed for mandibular range of motion (ROM), protrusive movements, lateral excursion movements on the fractured and non‐fractured sides, pain in the temporomandibular joint and malocclusion, both before and after treatment. There were no significant differences in regard to protrusion, lateral excursion movement and incidence of malocclusion at 12 months after treatment between the groups (P > 0·05). In group I, ROM and joint pain showed good improvement from the early stages of treatment, and those patients had better outcomes as compared to group II for those parameters at 1 and 3 months after injury. The present findings indicate that arthrocentesis may be more effective and provide faster healing than conventional closed reduction.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Correlation between direction and severity of temporomandibular joint disc displacement and reduction ability during mouth opening

The most common temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement is an abnormal relationship of the disc with respect to the mandibular condyle, articular eminence and glenoid fossa‐disc displacement. The aim of our study was to analyse the correlation between partial/complete disc displacement in the intercuspal position (IP) and its reduction in the open‐mouth position (OMP) in both oblique sagittal and coronal planes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Multisection MRI analysis of 382 TMJs was conducted in 191 patients with disc displacement according to the RDC/TMD criteria (148 women, 43 men; aged 14‐60 years). The disc position was evaluated on all oblique sagittal and coronal images in the IP and the OMP. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of disc displacement in the sagittal plane is a statistically significant predictor of reduction ability during mouth opening (B = 3.118; P < .001). Moreover, the severity of disc displacement in both planes is also a significant predictor of disc reduction in OMP (B = 2.200; P < .05). In conclusion, reduction ability during mouth opening is associated with the severity of disc displacement in IP, in both sagittal and coronal planes. Multisection analysis of all MR images allows distinguishing the correct disc position from disc displacement and can improve the ability to distinguish between various stages of TMJ internal derangement.     

颞下颌关节镜手术少见并发症的防治

目的:总结颞下颌关节镜手术的并发症,探讨其防治措施。方法:回顾1997年5月—2009年9月在我院进行关节镜手术治疗的2034例(2431侧)患者的临床资料,分析其少见的并发症,包括知名血管出血、咬肌神经损伤、器械折断、排异反应、外耳道穿孔等,探讨其发生的原因及其防治措施。结果:2034例(2431侧)患者中,知名血管出血5侧,咬肌神经损伤5侧,器械折断3侧,排异反应2侧,外耳道穿孔2侧。结论:关节镜手术是一种安全有效的治疗方法,其并发症发生率较低,但此项技术需由有经验的医师进行操作。     

Evaluation of an improved anchoring nail in temporomandibular joint disc repositioning surgery: A prospective study of 25 patients

To confirm the effectiveness and stability of an improved anchoring nail through a prospective study using clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Patients undergoing TMJ disc reduction and fixation were followed up for 1 year.Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and TMJ range of motion (maximum interincisal opening, protrusive excursion, lateral excursion) data were gathered pre- and postoperatively, and patient satisfaction was recorded. Four time points were investigated: before surgery (T0), 1 month post-surgery (T1), 6 months post-surgery (T2), and 1 year post-surgery (T3).Twenty-five patients (50 joints) participated in the study. The overall success rates of the improved and traditional anchoring nails were 88% and 92%, respectively. One year post-surgery, the patients’ TMJ motion improved significantly (p < 0.001), and their pain was significantly alleviated (p < 0.001). Condyle height did not change significantly within 6 months (p = 0.801), but had increased by approximately 1.35 mm (p < 0.001) at 1 year post-surgery. The MRI scans also confirmed that new bone mass growth was present 1 year post-surgery.Compared with the traditional anchoring nail, the improved anchoring nail had a similar success rate and was associated with fewer foreign body sensations and less pain. Its clinical application should be further tested in studies with longer follow-up times and larger sample sizes.     

颞下颌关节镜下盘复位固定术的疗效评价

目的:介绍颞下颌关节(temporomandibular joint,TMJ)镜下盘复位固定术的磁共振(magnetic resonanceimaging,MRI)和临床评价的初步效果。方法:选取门诊就诊的TMJ疾病患者进行临床检查,在初步诊断为结构紊乱(internal derangement,ID)后进行MRI检查,以获取评价关节盘情况的影像学依据,并按照Wilkes-Bronstein分期标准进行分期,将处于Ⅱ～Ⅴ期的患者纳入治疗范围,进行关节镜下盘复位固定手术。术后对接受关节镜下盘复位固定术的911例患者(1103侧关节)再次进行MRI检查,根据MRI评价标准,评价关节盘复位的效果。对复位"差"者再次进行手术,或改为开放性锚固术。结果:MRI评价显示,1032侧关节达到良以上,有效率达93.56%(1032/1103);仅有71侧、6.44%(71/1103)的关节进行了二次关节镜手术或开放性手术。临床评价的平均随访期为15.3个月(2～29个月),结果为优者32.88%(48/146),良者57.53%(84/146),差者9.59%(14/146);总有效率为90.41%(132/146)。92.47%(135/146)的患者自主感觉较术前明显改善。有效组开口度改善(14.34±5.87)mm(P<0.001)。VAS术前29.76±23.35(0～80),术后3.71±7.91(0～50)(P<0.05)。失败组开口度改善不明显(P>0.05)。VAS术前3.33±5.77,术后36.67±30.55(P<0.01)。对MRI评价与临床评价2种方法进行χ2检验,两者之间无显著性差异。结论:TMJ内镜下盘复位固定术是一种能将关节盘复位的、有效的微创术式,但其长期稳定性尚需进一步评价。     

Computerized ultrasonic axiographic evaluation of condylar movement in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

Objectives:To evaluate condylar movement during lateral excursion in individuals with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using ultrasonic axiography.Materials and Methods:A total of 34 patients with internal derangement of the TMJ and 34 participants in the control group were examined. Mandibular functional movement was recorded by ultrasonic axiography. Three-dimensional condylar movement was measured in the working and balancing condyles.Results:Significant differences in condylar movement were found between the two groups. In the group with internal derangement of the TMJ, the three-dimensional linear distances of the condylar path in a working condyle were greater than in the control group during lateral excursion. The speed of the balancing condyle in the returning path of lateral excursion was significantly greater in the group with internal derangement than in the control group.Conclusions:The results of the present study indicate that internal derangement of TMJ may affect the working and balancing condylar movements during lateral excursion.     

Arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial and anteromedial wall of temporomandibular joint: surgical technique and anatomical considerations

The anterior displacement of the articular disc is the most frequent cause of pathological alterations in the TMJ. Although it is an extremely common pathology, there is no certainty about the aetiopathogenesis of this disease. The main aim of the present report is to describe new anatomical findings that could help clarifying the aetiopathogenesis of this disease and determine a typology of treatment based on the cause of the disease. All the operative records of patients who underwent arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial TMJ wall in our centre from January 2021 to September 2021 were reviewed and analysed to identify specific anatomical features observed in every procedure. Fifty-two joints were included for analysis in this study. Twenty-two joints were classified as Wilkes stages II-III and 30 as Wilkes stages IV-V. The most common complication observed in our sample was the dysaesthesias found in the temporal and preauricular regions. Other complications observed were frontal branch paresis (n = 2), intraoperative bleeding (n = 1), and postoperative malocclusion (n = 1). The compression of the superior head of pterygoid lateral muscle (SPLM) on the medial bony wall and the consequent muscle atrophy could be key for the aetiology of the anterior TMJ disc displacement. Therapeutic actions on the osseous and muscular component in this anatomical area could improve the outcomes of patients affected by TMJ internal derangement. A meticulous dissection of the fascia of the superior fascicle of the lateral pterygoid muscle allows a remodelling of the bone surfaces with minimal complications     

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.     

Comparison of maxillary setback by maxillary tuberosity removal or intentional pterygoid plate fracture in Le Fort I osteotomy: a long-term evaluation

The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical application and long-term stability of maxillary setback in Le Fort I osteotomy using maxillary tuberosity removal or intentional pterygoid plate fracture (IPPF). Eighty adult class II patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy by the same surgeon between January 2013 and January 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Traditional maxillary tuberosity removal was performed in 40 patients (group I), and the other 40 patients (group II) underwent IPPF to set back the maxilla according to surgeon preference. An obvious change in profile was observed for all of the patients, with no significant relapse at 1 year postoperative. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly higher in group I than in group II (P =  0.037 and P =  0.021, respectively). In group II, the most superior point of the fracture line was at a mean distance of 12.25 ± 2.04 mm above the most inferior point of the pterygoid plate. More bone fragments were noted when the fracture level was low than when it was high. In conclusion, both maxillary tuberosity removal and IPPF resulted in sufficient and stable maxillary setback, with IPPF showing less blood loss and a shorter operative time.     

光生物调节治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病患者疼痛效果的Meta分析

目的    评价光生物调节治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病患者疼痛效果,为临床提供参考依据。方法    计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、中国知网、万方、维普等数据库,查找光生物调节治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病相关文献。应用Meta分析评价光生物调节（研究组）与放置激光光纤但不予激光照射（对照组）治疗颞下颌关节紊乱病患者疼痛效果,将视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）、压力疼痛感受阈值（pressure pain threshold,PPT）、最大自由开口度（maximum mouth opening,MMO）、左右侧侧方运动（left lateral excursion,LLE;right lateral excursion,RLE）及前伸运动范围（protrusion excursion,PE）作为评价指标。结果    纳入了7篇相关文献,共8项随机对照研究。Meta分析结果发现,与对照组相比,研究组能明显改善VAS和PPT（均P < 0.05）。但两组在改善患者MMO、LLE、RLE、PE方面,差异无统计学意义（均P > 0.05）。分析其中6项针对慢性颞下颌关节紊乱病疼痛效果的随机对照研究结果显示,光生物调节能显著改善VAS（P < 0.05）。结论    光生物调节治疗能较好地改善颞下颌关节紊乱病患者的疼痛症状,对慢性疼痛患者的疗效也较好,但对于下颌运动障碍的改善不明显。     

The evaluation of lateral pterygoid muscle pathologic changes and insertion patterns in temporomandibular joints with or without disc displacement using magnetic resonance imaging

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement is a common disorder in patients with internal derangement. Certain anatomic features of TMJ may make the patient prone to this condition, namely lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) insertion variations. The aim of this study was to investigate LPM attachments and their relationships with disc displacement and subsequent pathologic changes. A total of 26 patients with clinical temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and a control group of 14 unaffected individuals were studied. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were taken to evaluate LPM insertion patterns, superior LPM head pathologic changes, and relative disc to condyle position. Data registration and analysis were done using SPSS v. 16.0. The most common variation (type I) was shown to be the superior head with two bundles, one attached to the disc and another to the condyle. No significant relationship between LPM insertion type and disc displacement or pathologic changes of the muscle was found. However, a link between disc displacement and muscle pathologic changes was established (P = 0.001).