A collaborative approach between chiropractic and dentistry to address temporomandibular dysfunction: a case report

Acute dental malocclusion associated with lateral pterygoid muscle partial tear: Case Report and literature review

BACKGROUND

The article presents a rare case of acute malocclusion produced by a unilateral partial tear of the lateral pterygoid muscle and an up-to-date literature review of the pathology.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 37-year-old female was examined; her chief complaints were pain on the right side of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area and mastication impairment associated with major occlusal modifications and anterior open bite. After magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the TMJ and subsequent MRI for soft tissue, the final diagnosis was a partial right lateral pterygoid muscle tear.

CONCLUSION

The case shows the value of combined imaging in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the importance of soft tissue evaluation in addition to articular examination, as the primary pathology might lie outside the joint. The authors' review of the current literature did not hitherto reveal a similar case.

Temporomandibular Disorder Treated With Chiropractic Therapy

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common and affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding musculoskeletal tissues. Although traditional rehabilitative treatments such as physiotherapy, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and electrotherapy effectively manage TMDs, chiropractic therapy is emerging as a promising non-invasive treatment option. We report a 39-year-old female patient with TMD who underwent chiropractic therapy, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercise rehabilitation. After four weeks of treatment, the patient reported a complete resolution of symptoms and an improved quality of life score. Thereafter, the patient continued chiropractic treatment monthly for six months, during which she reported no symptoms and demonstrated improvements in her spinal range of motion, open-mouth anatomy, and cervical lordosis. This case study highlights the efficacy of applying an interdisciplinary approach to treating TMD and the potential of chiropractic therapy as a valuable treatment option for managing TMD.

Physiotherapy and occlusal splint treatment in myalgia, cervi-cogenic headache, and arthralgia: a case report

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe a rare case of myalgia, cervicogenic headache, and arthralgia in which interaction of physiotherapy, relaxation techniques, cognitive and behavioral counseling, psychosocial support, and occlusal splint treatment resulted in a positive outcome. A 27-year-old woman presented to our clinic with myalgia of the right side of the face, right temporomandibular joint arthralgia, right and left temple pain, jaw elevator muscle pain, and head and neck muscle soreness. The right and left joints' magnetic resonance imaging revealed anterior disc displacement without reduction. The treatment strategy aimed for a non-invasive treatment approach to relieve pain and restore functions. An occlusal appliance with an anterior bite plane was selected, along with counseling, psychosocial support, physiotherapy, posture self-control, massage of the head and neck muscles, mouth opening exercises, and self-massage. A temporomandibular specialist oversaw the splint treatment's progress, a maxillofacial surgeon managed the clinical signs and symptoms of the muscles and joints, and a physiotherapist provided the physiotherapy. Muscle stability in the head and neck has been related to temporomandibular disorders and may have repercussions on craniofacial structure and function. Keywords: physiotherapy; massage; relaxation techniques; oral splint; temporomandibular dis-order

Temporomandibular Joint Disk Displacements in Class II Malocclusion and Cervical Spine Alterations: Systematic Review and Report of a Hypodivergent Case with MRI Bone and Soft Tissue Changes

(1) Background: This study aimed to perform a literature review related to disk displacement (DD) in class II malocclusion or cervical vertebrae position alterations and to report a hypodivergent case with cervical pain and right anterolateral DD with reduction, left anterolateral DD with reduction, and left joint effusion. (2) Methods: A structured electronic search was conducted between March 2022 and April 2022, without time limits, following PRISMA guidelines, in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane; the terms “disc displacement”, “disk displacement”, “temporomandibular joint”, “class II malocclusion” and “cervical vertebrae” are searched. (3) Results: the following thirteen publications are included in this review: two prospective studies and eleven cross-sectional studies; for evaluating disk position, eight included publications used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whilst six studies used lateral cephalogram to determine craniofacial morphology and relationships between the cranial base, vertical skeletal pattern, maxilla and mandible. (4) Conclusions: although the literature still shows contradictory opinions, a relationship between temporomandibular disorders and cervical posture has been shown in the presented case as well as in the literature review.

Attitudes of dental and chiropractic students towards a shared learning programme-An interprofessional learning model

INTRODUCTION

Interprofessional learning (IPL) is the first stage towards the goal of interprofessional collaborative care. To enhance IPL experience, the School of Dentistry, International Medical University developed an IPL model based on the core competencies and the learning outcomes for dental and chiropractic students in their second and fourth year, respectively. The model was based on experiential learning and adult learning theories in addition to Miller's framework for clinical competencies.

METHODS

The programme was developed as a student-centred, collaborative approach to achieve the learning outcomes for dental and chiropractic students. Second-year dental students (n = 46) and chiropractic students (n = 23) in their fourth year participated in the programme. The focus of the programme was to address the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) amongst dental students and to provide the chiropractic students with the opportunity to assess and identify risk factors for WMSDs in the dental setting. The readiness for interprofessional learning scale (RIPLS) questionnaire was completed prior to the interprofessional education programme and once again afterwards to determine dental and chiropractic students' awareness of roles and responsibilities of the other profession, and their attitudes to interprofessional education and teamwork.

RESULTS

Dental and chiropractic students showed similar levels of readiness for shared learning. The results of this study suggest that the IPL programme contributed to the development of the students' positive perceptions towards the positive professional identity and the roles of other healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

This study provides initial support for the integrated interprofessional learning experiences within the school. The results of the study will shape future curricula changes to further strengthen interprofessional education and subsequent interprofessional collaborative care.

Tratamento para disfunções temporomandibulares: uma revisão sistemática

RESUMO Introdução: A disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é complexa e multifatorial. São encontrados, na literatura, estudos que comparam diferentes métodos de tratamento. Objetivo: Investigar estudos sobre o tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares (DTMs) nas diversas áreas da saúde, avaliando a eficácia das técnicas empregadas, principalmente no que se refere ao uso da terapia miofuncional orofacial. Estratégia de pesquisa: Os artigos compilados neste estudo foram selecionados por meio da base de dados PubMed, utilizando os descritores “temporomandibular disorders and oral motor therapy”, “orofacial myofunctional therapy and temporomandibular disorders” e “temporomandibular disorders and myofunctional rehabilitation”. O levantamento realizado limitou-se aos artigos publicado nos idiomas Inglês e Português, entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2016. Critérios de seleção: Foram incluídos artigos sobre os tratamentos das DTMs associados aos exercícios musculares e/ou terapias manuais. Publicações sem acesso completo, repetidas por sobreposição das palavras-chave, revisões de literatura, cartas ao editor e não relacionadas diretamente ao tema foram excluídas. Resultados: Dos 102 estudos selecionados, 22 atenderam aos critérios estabelecidos. Em geral, a maioria dos tratamentos descritos apresentou efeitos benéficos para pacientes com DTMs. Foi observada grande variabilidade da metodologia adotada para a aplicação e verificação dos efeitos dos tratamentos e somente poucos estudos fizeram uso de grupo controle. Conclusão: Apesar do crescimento no número de pesquisas sobre DTMs, ainda não é possível estabelecer qual a melhor técnica de tratamento. Após análise dos artigos selecionados, observou-se que as técnicas combinadas de terapia (ex.: exercício associado ao uso de equipamento para redução da dor) produzem melhores resultados, com maior redução da dor e melhora da mobilidade mandibular.

Collaborative care for a patient with complex low back pain and long-term tobacco use: a case report

Few examples of interprofessional collaboration by chiropractors and other healthcare professionals are available. This case report describes an older adult with complex low back pain and longstanding tobacco use who received collaborative healthcare while enrolled in a clinical trial. This 65 year-old female retired office worker presented with chronic back pain. Imaging findings included disc extrusion and spinal stenosis. Multiple co-morbidities and the complex nature of this case substantiated the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. A doctor of chiropractic and a doctor of osteopathy provided collaborative care based on patient goal setting and supported by structured interdisciplinary communication, including record sharing and telephone consultations. Chiropractic and medical interventions included spinal manipulation, exercise, tobacco reduction counseling, analgesic use, nicotine replacement, dietary and ergonomic recommendations, and stress reduction strategies. Collaborative care facilitated active involvement of the patient and resulted in decreased radicular symptoms, improvements in activities of daily living, and tobacco use reduction.