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Evaluation of the position, mobility, and morphology of the disc by MRI before and after four different treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in disc position, mobility, and morphology in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) in response to four different treatments, splint therapy, pumping manipulation, arthrocentesis, and arthroscopic surgery, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Eighty-five joints (85 patients) with unilateral internal derangement or osteoarthritis that were successfully treated were included in this study. The patients were divided into four groups as follows: splint therapy group, pumping manipulation group, arthrocentesis group, and arthroscopic surgery group. Changes in the disc position, mobility, and morphology before and after treatment were compared among the four groups using MRI. RESULTS: All discs showed anterior disc displacement (ADD) without reduction before treatment. Only 10% of the joints became ADD with reduction after treatment, and the other joints remained ADD without reduction in spite of treatment. Discs treated by arthroscopic surgery were located more anteriorly compared with pre-treatment. In pre-treatment MRI, the rate of stuck disc increased as the stage of the treatment advanced. In post-treatment MRI, all temporomandibular joints (TMJs) had mobile discs. The disc deformity advanced after arthrocentesis and arthroscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Even though clinical signs and symptoms were alleviated by treatment, most discs remained ADD without reduction on MRI in spite of treatment. This suggests that the four treatments do not necessarily improve the position and deformity of the disc, and that arthroscopic surgery advances the deformity and anterior displacement of the disc. Disc mobility is important for improving clinical signs and symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Outcome measurement for treated and untreated TMD patients using the TMJ scale.

Changes in symptom profiles of two groups of treated and untreated temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients were measured using the TMJ Scale. Forty-nine consecutive TMD patients were included in the study. Of these, 29 patients were treated using splint therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications. Patients completed the TMJ Scale questionnaire prior to treatment and at completion of the TMD therapy. Sixty-five patients were not treated in any manner, having completed the questionnaire during an initial diagnostic study and having declined treatment. They were contacted by mail at least four months later and asked to complete the second questionnaire if they had not received any treatment. Twenty untreated patients returned the completed questionnaire. The initial scale scores for the two groups were similar. Comparison of the two tests of both groups revealed the treated group improved significantly, while the untreated group remained unchanged, except for a statistically non-significant increase of scale scores (increased symptom severity) for joint dysfunction and range of motion limitation. Younger patients responded more favorably to therapy than older patients. The findings do not support the conclusions of the few previous studies that found TMD are often self-limiting and rarely progress to chronic intracapsular derangement. The findings strongly support the hypothesis that symptom improvement was related to treatment and not solely to the passage of time.

Adolescent↗

A randomized, controlled study of a mandibular advancement splint for obstructive sleep apnea.

Although there is increasing interest in the use of oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the evidence base for this is weak. Furthermore, the precise mechanisms of action are uncertain. We aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy of a novel mandibular advancement splint (MAS) in patients with OSA. The sample consisted of 28 patients with proven OSA. A randomized, controlled three-period (ABB/BAA) crossover study design was used. After an acclimatization period, patients underwent three polysomnographs with either a control oral plate, which did not advance the mandible (A), or MAS (B), 1 wk apart, in either the ABB or BAA sequence. Complete response (CR) was defined as a resolution of symptoms and a reduction in Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) to < 5/h, and partial response (PR) as a > or = 50% reduction in AHI, but remaining > or = 5/h. Twenty-four patients (19 men, 5 women) completed the protocol. Subjective improvements with the MAS were reported by the majority of patients (96%). There were significant improvements in AHI (30 +/- 2/h versus 14 +/- 2/h, p < 0.0001), MinSa(O(2)) (87 +/- 1% versus 91 +/- 1%, p < 0.0001), and arousal index (41 +/- 2/h versus 27 +/- 2/h, p < 0.0001) with MAS, compared with the control. The control plate had no significant effect on AHI and MinSa(O(2)). CR (n = 9) or PR (n = 6) was achieved in 62.5% of patients. The MAS is an effective treatment in some patients with OSA, including those patients with moderate or severe OSA.

Adult↗

Mandibular advancement splint: an appliance to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are related to narrowing of the upper airway. A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) could improve both conditions by increasing oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions. The effects of a MAS on snoring and OSA was evaluated 3.5 +/- 2.1 (mean +/- SD) mo after issue in 57 subjects with habitual loud snoring, 39 of whom had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > or = 10. Assessment was by questionnaire (all subjects) and polysomnography (51 subjects, 47 male) including measurement of sound intensity. Use of the MAS was randomized to first or second half of study. Snores were scored where inspiratory noise was greater than 5 dB above background. Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, % REM sleep, and % sleep spent supine were similar (p > 0.05) with and without the MAS. Snores per sleep minute, corrected for time in apnea, and sound intensity of snores (% snores > or = 50 dB) decreased with the MAS from 11.0 +/- 5.8 and 42.0 +/- 25.0% to 9.0 +/- 6.0 (p < 0.01) and 26.2 +/- 25.2% (p < 0.01), respectively. Using the MAS significantly improved OSA: AHI decreased from 32.2 +/- 28.5 to 17.5 +/- 22.7 (p < 0.01) and arousal index decreased from 31.4 +/- 20.6 to 19.0 +/- 14.6 (p < 0.01). AHI decreased to < 20 with the MAS in 12 of 17 subjects where untreated AHI was between 20 and 60, and in 2 of 9 subjects where untreated AHI was > 60. Forty-five patients continued to use the MAS regularly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Sleep nasendoscopy: a diagnostic tool for predicting treatment success with mandibular advancement splints in obstructive sleep apnoea.

This prospective, cohort study evaluated the role of sleep nasendoscopy (SNE) with simultaneous mandibular protrusion in predicting successful mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Nineteen OSA subjects diagnosed by overnight polysomnography were referred for MAS therapy, following SNE investigation. A Herbst MAS was fabricated for each subject. Once this had been adjusted for maximal, subjective, therapeutic effect, follow-up sleep studies were undertaken with the appliance in situ. The SNE was repeated with the appliance in place to allow the effects of the original mandibular protrusion and the actual effect of the MAS to be compared. The MAS was removed and the original and current site(s) of obstruction evaluated. Pre-treatment SNE showed airway obstruction at the following levels: intermittent multi-level (16 subjects), sustained multi-level (two subjects) and tongue base (one subject). In all individuals, gentle advancement of the mandible during SNE improved airway patency and reduced snoring. When the SNE was repeated with the MAS in situ, all subjects showed improvements in snoring and airway patency. Follow-up sleep studies confirmed the efficacy of the MAS, with all patients showing a reduction in the apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI). Median reductions in AHI (from 28.1 to 6.1, P < 0.001) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores (from 9 to 6, P < 0.001) were highly statistically significant. The results suggest that SNE with concomitant mandibular advancement to mimic MAS wear, could be a valuable prognostic indicator of successful MAS treatment.

Adult↗

Case control study in the treatment of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing with an intraoral protrusive appliance.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular protrusive appliances have long been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Their efficacy regarding respiration during sleep varies greatly and remains difficult to predict. In this study the efficacy of a two-splint appliance on nocturnal breathing disorders, sleep profile, and daytime sleepiness were evaluated according to a specially-designed treatment process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study 42 consecutive OSAHS patients who had been fitted with a mandibular protrusive appliance according to a preset treatment regimen were included in a follow-up analysis. The diagnosis and the degree of severity of OSHAS were determined by polysomnography in the sleep laboratory. The treatment regimen was established with the sleep laboratory physician. Treatment regimen included the diagnostic procedure in the sleep laboratory, each patient's dental requirements, the fabrication of the appliance used, and the titration of the mandibular protrusion. After having grown accustomed to the appliance for 24.5 +/- 7.8 days, 34 patients underwent overnight polysomnography. RESULTS: The mean apnea/hypopnea index decreased significantly from 19.6 +/- 12.8 to 3.3 +/- 7.8 events per hour to 83%; the apnea index also improved significantly, as did minimal oxygen saturation and the desaturation index. Changes in sleep profile did not reach statistical significance; the arousal index (p < 0.02) and the subjectively-assessed daytime sleepiness (p < 0.02) decreased significantly. A therapeutically-required AHI of below 5 events per hour was achieved in 88.2% of the patients. CONCLUSION: A significant improvement in the respiratory situation of the vast majority of OSAHS patients, particularly in their AHI, can be achieved when one applies the procedural steps and employs the mandibular protrusive appliance we describe herein.

Adult↗

Clinical audit of subjects with snoring & sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome fitted with mandibular repositioning splint.

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) are often treated with mandibular repositioning splints (MRS), but the efficacy and satisfaction of them has not been comprehensively addressed. A survey on the use of and satisfaction with MRS was posted to 177 patients referred by a hospital orthodontic department for custom-fitting of a MRS. Data were analysed using non-parametric techniques. The response rate was 81% (n=144). Responders (30F, 114M) had mean (SD) age of 51 (11) years, apnoea+hypopnoea index (AHI) of 24 (21) per hr and Epworth Score of 10 (5) at diagnosis, and had been supplied with their MRS a median 7 (IQR 5-11) months previously. Fifty of the 144 patients (35%) had been offered continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment but had declined or abandoned this. Self-reported MRS use was 5 (2) h/night, with 74 of the 144 patients (51%) continuing to use MRS at least occasionally at a median 7 months after fitting. Survival analysis showed 12% still using MRS at 12 months. Epworth score fell slightly with MRS therapy [-2.4 (3.5); P=0.005] and 7 daytime and 2 nocturnal symptoms improved in MRS users (all P<0.05). Marital satisfaction did not change with MRS. Problems preventing MRS use in 70 non-users included: non-retention (n=12), sore mouth (n=13) or jaw (n=7), difficulties falling asleep (n=10) or breathing (n=7), excessive salivation (n=4), dental damage (n=4) and other problems (n=3). Continued use of MRS therapy was associated with a higher number of teeth, low marital satisfaction perceived by partners and greater improvement in symptoms reported by patients and partners. Continuance with MRS may be low and linked to tolerance problems.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure↗

The role of lateral cephalometric radiography and fluoroscopy in assessing mandibular advancement in sleep-related disorders.

Mandibular advancement splints are successful in managing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in selected subjects. For these to be effective, some improvement in the dimensions of the oropharyngeal airway must occur. Twenty subjects with proven obstructive sleep apnoea were examined using lateral cephalometric radiography and a fluoroscopic technique. Cephalograms were analysed, and assessed for both skeletal and soft tissue abnormalities known to be present in OSA subjects. On the basis of these, a prediction was made as to whether the subject's oropharyngeal airway would increase during mandibular protrusion. From the fluoroscopic sequences, the narrowest antero-posterior dimensions of the post-palatal and post-lingual airways were recorded as the mandible moved from the intercuspal position into maximal protrusion. The changes in airway size were noted and these were compared with the predictions made from the static films. In nine subjects, fluoroscopy indicated that the airway opened well during mandibular protrusion, seven did not improve and in four the changes were minimal. Post-palatally the mean airway increase was 2.6 mm, whilst behind the tongue a mean improvement of 3.1 mm was seen. In all but two instances, the cephalometric prediction agreed exactly with the outcome demonstrated by fluoroscopy. All subjects whose airways clearly increased were correctly identified by the cephalogram alone. Cephalometric features associated with a good airway response to protrusion were a reduced lower facial height, low maxillomandibular planes angle and a high hyoid position, accompanied by a normal anteroposterior relationship of the jaws, relatively normal mandibular body length and soft palate area. The more abnormal the skeletal and soft tissue dimensions, the poorer the prognosis. Thus, whilst a single radiograph could indicate whether a positive mandibular response to protrusion could be expected, where doubt existed, a fluoroscopic analysis could provide a useful adjunct to diagnosis.

Adult↗

A-mode ultrasound-based registration in computer-aided surgery of the skull.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the integration and accuracy of A (amplitude)-mode ultrasound-based surface matching for noninvasive registration of the head into a frameless computer-aided surgery system for otorhinology and skull base surgery. DESIGN: Experimental study and case series. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Twelve patients underwent anterior and paranasal skull base surgery with the routine use of a computer-aided surgery system. INTERVENTIONS: A computer-aided surgery system, based on an optoelectronic localizer, was used to track the skull and the surgical tools, including the A-mode ultrasound probe. The A-mode probe was a 10-MHz immersion transducer. An acoustic lens attached to the transducer focused the ultrasonic beam to a depth of 1 to 10 mm. Accuracy tests were performed for the ultrasound setup. Different surface point distributions were evaluated with respect to matching accuracy on a human cadaver skull specimen equipped with fiducial markers. The matching comparison was based on the fiducial registration error. For the clinical evaluation, the laboratory setup was transferred to the operating room. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Noninvasive registration of the skull by using A-mode ultrasound in computer-aided surgery (practical and clinical measurements). RESULTS: The accuracy tests on the human skull specimen revealed that the mean +/- SD fiducial registration error was 1.00 +/- 0.19 mm in the best series for A-mode ultrasound surface matchings and was robust with respect to different sets of surface points. The mean +/- SD root mean square error from the 12 A-mode ultrasound matchings in the patient study was 0.49 +/- 0.20 mm. CONCLUSION: A-mode ultrasound surface matching can be used as a noninvasive and accurate registration procedure in computer-aided surgery of the head.

Bias↗

New diagnostic and therapeutic mechanical device.

A new device is described that may be used (1) diagnostically to determine the relationship of the occlusion to tenderness in the lateral pterygoid and other muscles of mastication; (2) to relieve ischemic muscle tenderness; (3) to assist in the reduction of articular clicks; and (4) as a positioning device for the registration of physiologic interocclusal relations. The rationale for the causal relationship between the occlusion and lateral pterygoid muscle tenderness is explained.

Bite Force↗

Effects of intraoral appliance and biofeedback/stress management alone and in combination in treating pain and depression in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

To assess the differential efficacy of two commonly used treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), intraoral appliances (IAs) and biofeedback (BF), separately and in combination, two studies were conducted. The first study directly compared IA treatment, a combination of biofeedback and stress management (BF/SM), and a waiting list control group in a sample of 80 TMD patients. Both treatments were determined to be equally credible to patients, ruling out this potential threat to the validity of the results obtained. The results demonstrated that the IA treatment was more effective than the BF/SM treatment in reducing pain after treatment, but at a 6-month follow-up the IA group significantly relapsed, especially in depression, whereas the BF/SM maintained improvements on both pain and depression and continued to improve. The second study examined the combination of IA and BF/SM in a sample of 30 TMD patients. The results of this study demonstrated that the combined treatment approach was more effective than either of the single treatments alone, particularly in pain reduction, at the 6-month follow-up. These results support the importance of using both dental and psychologic treatments to successfully treat TMD patients if treatment gains are to be maintained.

Adolescent↗

Prosthetic therapy for sleep apnea syndrome.

Twenty patients with sleep apnea syndrome were examined polysomnographically with and without an Esmarch sleep apnea appliance. The relationship between the therapeutic effect of the device and dentofacial morphologic characteristics of the patients were analyzed with the use of diagnostic casts and cephalometric radiographs. The apnea index or number of apneic episodes per hour decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) after insertion of the appliance. The diagnostic casts and cephalometric analyses revealed that the device was most effective for patients who exhibit a tendency toward micrognathia (p < 0.03) and a short soft palate (p < 0.01). The Esmarch appliance is indicated for the treatment or diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome.

Adult↗

Osteoarthrosis, the temporomandibular joint, and Eagle's syndrome.

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis is common but typically asymptomatic. This article describes a patient with symptomatic left temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis in whom pain in the right side of the tongue and ear, and dysphagia, subsequently developed simulating Eagle's syndrome. The concept of Eagle's syndrome is reviewed.

Adult↗

Closed lock. A survey of 400 cases.

Four hundred consecutive classic closed lock cases were examined. Of these, 301 were treated. Mandibular range of motion was restored by condylar distraction during jaw opening, anterior, and lateral movements. Mandibular appliances were used to prevent complete closure during healing. Of the 45 males and 355 females examined, almost all reported jaw restrictions, but 38% reported little or no pain. Secondary disorders of temporomandibular joint inflammation, muscle spasm, trigger points, and cervical dysfunction were seen on patients with temporomandibular joint pain. Of the 301 conservatively treated patients, 209 were successfully treated, 55 were moderately successful, and 37 failed. Occlusal factors did not appear as primary etiologic factors. Because all locks were preceded by clicking, treatment is recommended for clicking temporomandibular joint's that lock, however briefly, to prevent future locking. Conservative closed lock treatment is successful in many cases.

Adolescent↗

A simple method to enable feeding during maxillomandibular fixation of the jaws.

The use of maxillomandibular fixation after surgery on the jaw bone invariably affects the dietary intake and the oral hygiene of patients. When the upper and lower jaws are kept in occlusion, the patient has to take bland food that has to sieve through the crevices between teeth to enter the oral cavity. This results in food accumulation around teeth, orthodontic appliances, and surgical wound. Feeding in this manner can also be very trying on some patients. A simple method is devised in which finely minced food can be introduced by a catheter directly into the oral cavity.

Enteral Nutrition↗

Patient positioning for fractionated precision radiation treatment of targets in the head using fiducial markers.

When irradiating targets in the brain, an accurately localised dose is often needed. One crucial moment to achieve this is the positioning of the patient. We have developed a positioning method where the patient is immobilised with a bite block and a head mould, and where the position of the target is determined by X-ray imaging of fiducial markers that are placed in the patient's skull. A method for computing the transformation needed to move the target from the observed to the prescribed position and orientation is described. This method uses the information from two orthogonal X-ray images and takes measurement errors and data from three or more markers into account. Results from using the method clinically in proton beam therapy are given.

Algorithms↗

Prosthodontic complications related to compromised implant placement.

Successful prosthodontic treatment is dependent on optimal placement of the endosseous implants. This article describes prosthodontic problems associated with nonoptimal implant placement and suggests clinical guidelines to minimize recurrence of these problems.

Clinical Protocols↗

Intraarticular pressure in the functioning human temporomandibular joint and its alteration by uniform elevation of the occlusal plane.

Intraarticular pressure (IAP) was measured at the posterior slope of the eminence in the upper compartment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of 35 individuals (28 females and 7 males) under local anesthesia. Pressure measurements were obtained with the jaw in rest position, during maximal mouth opening (MMO), and while clenching. During MMO, IAP decreased to levels ranging between -130 and -5 mm Hg (mean, -53.82 +/- 34.40 mm Hg), whereas during clenching the pressure was always positive (range, +8 to +200 mm Hg; mean, 63.90 +/- 52.25 mm Hg). The significance of the fluctuating pressures with respect to the joint's maintenance and performance, as well as the potentially harmful effect of the positive pressure, especially when it is high and prolonged, are discussed. Females generated significantly higher pressures than males (73.70 +/- 61.06 mm Hg vs 31.42 +/- 11.47 mm Hg, P = .017). This gender difference regarding IAP may help elucidate the enigma of the considerably higher proportion of women with TMJ problems. In 22 of the patients IAP also was measured while clenching on a specifically constructed interocclusal appliance (IOA), which uniformly elevated the occlusal plane so as to reduce the force directed toward the TMJ. During clenching without the IOA, pressures ranged from 20 to 200 mm Hg (mean, 68.8 +/- 49.1), decreasing by 81.2% to IAP levels ranging from 0 to 40 mm Hg (mean, 7.9 +/- 10.9; P < .001) with the appliance in place. The use of an IOA as a palliative treatment for symptomatic TMJs is discussed.

Adolescent↗