Comparison of low-level laser therapy and standard treatment for temporomandibular disorders: An assessment of therapeutic and placebo effects

BACKGROUND

Despite extensive research on the use of low-power lasers for TMD treatment, the extent of their effectiveness remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic or placebo effect of LLLT for TMD, and to compare it with standard treatment methods. A unique aspect of this study was the inclusion of a control group that received only standard treatment, allowing for an assessment of the placebo effect of LLLT.

METHODS

A total of 42 patients with TMD were referred to Kerman Dental School Pain Clinic and were randomly assigned to three groups: group A received LLLT, group B was a placebo group and group C was a control group that received only standard treatment. The laser groups received gallium-aluminium-arsenide laser treatment twice a week for 10 sessions. Patients' jaw movement rate indicators and VAS index were evaluated at the start of treatment, and indicators were re-recorded every week for 5 weeks. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis, including ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests for inter-group comparisons. The repeated measurement test was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

All groups showed significant improvement in VAS indicators (p = .0001), lateral jaw movements (p = .0001), forward jaw movement (p = .007) but not for maximum mouth opening. No significant difference was observed between the groups at the end of the study (p = .000).

CONCLUSION

Our study provides insights into LLLT's effectiveness for TMD, suggesting it cannot replace standard treatment alone. These findings contribute to the literature and emphasise the importance of including a control group in future studies to assess the placebo effect of LLLT.

Laser acupuncture to reduce temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis

The application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to acupuncture points may produce effects similar to that of needle stimulation in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and aimed to address clinical questions using the following strategy: Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO). A comprehensive literature search was performed upto April 26, 2023, across nine electronic databases (BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Google Scholar) supplemented with gray literature. The risk of bias in randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials was assessed using two tools: risk-of-bias (RoB) 2 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Meta-analysis involved the extraction of mean and standard deviation values for spontaneous pain and mouth opening levels. Seven studies were included in this review, all of which used LLLT. The applied wavelengths ranged from 690 to 810 nm without significant variations in light emission patterns. LLLT demonstrated a significant reduction in instantaneous pain levels (standard mean difference [SMD] = 3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.09, 5.62; p < 0.003) and an improvement in instantaneous mouth opening ability (mean difference [SMD] = -7.15; 95% CI = -11.73, -2.58; p < 0.002), with low certainty of evidence. LLLT may alleviate symptoms in patients with TMD; however, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results because of protocol variations among studies and the limited number of studies included in the meta-analysis.

What are the best parameters of low-level laser therapy to reduce pain intensity and improve mandibular function in orofacial pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To determine the effectiveness of laser therapy for managing patients with orofacial pain (OFP). In addition, to determine which parameters provide the best treatment effects to reduce pain, improve function, and quality of life in adults with OFP.

METHODS

Systematic review. Searches were conducted in six databases; no date or language restrictions were applied. Studies involving adults with OFP treated with laser therapy were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was performed with the Revised Cochrane RoB-2. A meta-analysis was structured around the OFP type, and outcomes. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessed the overall certainty of the evidence.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine studies were included. Most studies (n = 72, 80.9%) were considered to have a high RoB. The results showed that laser therapy was better than placebo in improving pain, maximal mouth open (MMO), protrusion, and tenderness at the final assessment, but with a low or moderate level of evidence. The best lasers and parameters to reduce pain are diode or gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) lasers, a wavelength of 400-800 or 800-1500 nm, and dosage of <25 J/cm2.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser therapy was better than placebo to improve pain, MMO, protrusion, and tenderness. Also, it was better than occlusal splint to improve pain, but not better than TENS and medication.Implications for rehabilitationLaser therapy was found to be good in improving pain, maximal mouth opening, jaw protrusion, and tenderness at the end of the treatment.For patients with all types of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) (myogenous, arthrogenous, and mixed), the following lasers and parameters are recommended: diode or gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser, wavelength of 400-800 or 800-1500 nm, and a dosage <25 J/cm2.For patients with arthrogenous TMDs, the following lasers and parameters are recommended: Diode laser and a wavelength between 400 and 800 nm.For patients with myogenous TMDs, the following lasers and parameters are recommended: diode laser, wavelength between 800 and 1500 nm, and dosage of <25 J/cm2.For patients with mixed TMDs, the following lasers and parameters are recommended: diode, GaAlAs, or infrared laser, a wavelength of 800-1500 nm, a dosage >100 J/cm2, and an application time between 15 and 30 s or >60 seconds.

Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with myogenic temporomandibular joint disorder: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the short and long term in the treatment of patients with the myogenic temporomandibular joint disorder(TMD).

METHODS

This prospective, double-blind, controlled clinical study was conducted on patients with myogenic TMD at a university's oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. Seventy-six patients were randomized into two groups (HILT, and control group), including 38 patients in one group. The patients were evaluated for pain, the range of motion of the jaw, disability, and quality of life. Assessments were performed before therapy (week 0) and after therapy (weeks 4 and 12). Data were evaluated using SPSS-20 and the level of significance was set at p <0.05.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics of the groups at the beginning of the study. In the 4th week, the VAS pain score was significantly decreased in the HILT group (47%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) (p <0.001). The maximum mouth opening was significantly increased in the HILT group (27%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) at week 12 (p <0.001). The HILT group showed a significant improvement in Jaw Functional Limitation Scale 20 (JFLS-20) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) compared to the placebo HILT group (p <0.001 and p <0.005 respectively).

CONCLUSION

As a result of the study, it was concluded that HILT is a highly effective, non-invasive therapeutic method for patients with myogenic TMD.

The influence of educational measures and low-level laser phototherapy on temporomandibular disorders: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT Compliant)

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with low-power laser is used for pain relief in several clinical conditions, including temporomandibular disorders (TMD). As musculoskeletal pain often produces changes in motor behavior, it is common for patients with TMD to present limited mandibular movements. To the date, there is no consensus about the optimal dosimetric parameters of PMBT for TMD. This randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial aims to evaluate pain relief and mandibular mobility in patients with TMD following treatments with 2 laser wavelengths, red (660 nm) and infrared (808 nm) individually and in combination as compared to a placebo treatment. One-hundred participants presenting myalgia and arthralgia, with disk displacement or not, will be selected based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. All participants will be instructed about the etiology, prognosis, and self-care techniques for pain control on TMD, and followed up for 2 weeks. After this period, those who still present pain score over 4 in a visual analog scale (VAS) will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: G1 = placebo (SHAM); G2 = PBMT with red laser (660 nm, 0.034 cm, 88 J/cm, 100 mW, 3 J/point); G3 = PBMT with infrared laser (808 nm, 0.034 cm, 88 J/cm, 100 mW, 3 J/point); and G4 = PBMT with red and infrared laser alternated between sessions. The treatment consists of 8 sessions, 2 times a week. The effect of the proposed therapies will be measured by: pain reduction in VAS; pressure pain threshold on TMJ, masseter and temporal muscles; and the amplitude of mandibular movements (opening, protrusion, and right and left lateral movements). The data will be collected at the following times: initial (T1), after the 1st treatment session (T2), at the end of treatment (T3), and 30 days after the last PBMT session (T4). For statistical analysis will be used 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance test, complemented by a post hoc Tukey test (P < .05).

Photobiomodulation with simultaneous use of red and infrared light emitting diodes in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder: study protocol for a randomized, controlled and double-blind clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is considered the main cause of orofacial pain of non-dental origin, and a public health problem. The symptomatology is muscular and/or articular pain, restriction of the mandibular range of motion, and changes in the mandibular movement pattern. Due to its complexity there are already treatments using various forms of therapy. Photobiomodulation using light sources, such as low-level laser or light emitting diodes (LED), with different wavelengths, in a single or combined form, allows one more therapeutic resource to be explored. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation with the simultaneous use of red and infrared LEDs, on pain, range of mandibular movements, and on the electrical activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with TMD.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial is proposed, which will involve 33 individuals (n = 11 per group) of both sexes, ages 18 to 45 years in 3 groups: LED group; placebo group; and control group, submitted to 6 non-consecutive sessions of photobiomodulation totaling 2 weeks of treatment. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders-RDC/TMD will be used to assess and determine the participants' TMD. The pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale - VAS, the mandibular range of motion will be determined with the aid of a digital caliper, and the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles will be verified by electromyography. A mixed plate of 18 red LEDs-660 nm and 18 infrared LEDs-850 nm with power of 3.5 mW per LED, 4.45 mW/cm, radiant exposure of 5.35 J/cm, will be used for photobiomodulation. The irradiated area will be 14.13 cm, and energy of 75.6 J, in the TMJ region and in the bilateral masseter and temporal muscles. Participants from all groups will be reassessed after the first therapeutic intervention, and at the end of treatment.

DISCUSSION

We expect the use of photobiomodulation with LEDs, infra and red, to reduce pain, improve temporomandibular joint function in patients with TMD, and thus improve the general conditions of the patient.

[Diagnosis and treatment of diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor arising from temporomandibular joints]

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the clinical features, treatment and prognosis to the diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TSGCT) arising from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to give a reference for the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

METHODS

In this study, 15 patients finally diagnosed as D-TSGCT of TMJ histopathologically at the Peking University Hospital of Stomatology from October 2003 to August 2015 were selected and reviewed. Their clinical manifestations, imaging and histological features, diagnoses and differential diagnoses, treatments and follow-ups were summarized and discussed.

RESULTS

D-TSGCT of TMJ showed obvious female predominance (12/15), the main symptoms included painful preauricular swelling or mass, limited mouth-opening and mandibular deviation with movement. D-TSGCT on computed tomography (CT) scan often showed ill-defined soft tissue masses around TMJ, enhancement after contrast administration, usually with widening of the joint spaces and with bone destruction of the condyle, the fossa and even the skull base. On magnetic resonance images (MRI), the majority of lesions on T1 weighted images and T2 weighted images both showed the characteristics of low signals (6/11). The lesions could extend beyond the joints (9/11) and into the infratemporal fossa (4/11) and the middle cranial fossa (4/11). Surgical resection was performed in 14 cases and biopsy in 1 case. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed in 3 cases. In follow-ups, 3 cases showed recurrence postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

D-TSGCT arising from TMJ should be differentiated with TMJ disorders, other tumors and tumor-like lesions of TMJ and parotid neoplasms, etc. CT and MRI examinations have important values in the diagnosis and treatment design of D-TSGCT. Because of the local aggressive and extensive behavior, complete resection should be performed as soon as possible. Postoperative radiotherapy was helpful for the extensive lesions including destruction of skull base and may be a good supplementary therapy. Because of the possibility of recurrence and malignancy, long-term follow-up was suggested.

Postoperative radiotherapy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint

BACKGROUND

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare/benign condition of the synovial joint lining. It most commonly presents in the knee but has also been reported to occur in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Although there are several series reporting the use of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for extremity PVNS, there is scant literature on the use of PORT for PVNS of the TMJ.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review for case reports related to PVNS of the TMJ and discuss two additional cases treated with surgery and PORT.

RESULTS

71 cases were found in the literature. 89% were the diffuse subtype. 92% had primary surgery and 7% had PORT. 68% were locally controlled. Both patients treated at our institution are locally controlled.

CONCLUSIONS

PVNS of the TMJ is a rare entity. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment but PORT may be useful for local control of extensive tumors or positive margins.

Low Intensity Laser Application in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Phase I Double-Blind Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low intensity laser therapy (LILT) for the control of pain from temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in a random and double-blind research design. Forty-eight (48) patients presenting temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain were divided into an experimental group (GI) and a placebo group (GII). The sample was submitted to the treatment with infrared laser (780 nm, 70 mW, 10 s, 89.7 J/cm2) applied in continuous mode on the affected temporomandibular region, at one point: inside the external auditive duct toward the retrodiskal region, twice a week, for four weeks. For the control group, two identical probes (one active and one that does not emit radiation) were used unknown by the clinician and the subjects. A tip planned for laser acupuncture was used and connected to the active point of the probe. The parameter evaluated was the intensity of pain after palpation of the condylar lateral pole, pre-auricular region and external auditive duct, according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Four evaluations were performed: Ev1 (before laser application), Ev2 (after 4th application), Ev3 (after 8th application) and Ev4 (30 days after the last application). Data were submitted to statistical analysis. The results showed a decrease in the pain level mainly for the active probe. Among the evaluations, the Ev3 exhibited lower sensitivity to palpation. In conclusion, the results show that low intensity laser is an effective therapy for the pain control of subjects with TMD.

Evaluation of orofacial function in temporomandibular disorder patients after low-level laser therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy on occlusal contact area, occlusal pressure and bite force in temporomandibular disorder patients.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Twenty patients (14 women, six men, mean age 33.1 ± 3.8 years) diagnosed with myofascial pain according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD) participated in the study. Twenty healthy individuals, matched in age and gender, served as a control group. Low-level laser was applied to the mastication muscles three times per week, for a total of 10 sessions. The mandibular mobility range was evaluated. The maximum bite force, occlusal contact area and occlusal pressure were measured bilaterally with a dental pre-scale before and after treatment. All variables were analyzed descriptively. Changes in the masticatory muscle tenderness, mandibular movements, maximum bite force, occlusal contact area and occlusal pressure were compared by paired-sample Student's t-tests.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in the pressure pain threshold of the examined muscles. Mandibular movements were significantly improved in all patients. There was also a significant decrease in pain by palpation after laser exposure. However, no significant change was found in the maximum bite force, occlusal contact area or occlusal pressure after the treatment and also the values after the treatment were still significantly lower than those of the healthy individuals.

CONCLUSION

This particular type of LLLT is effective at relieving pain but does not provide physical improvement.

Evaluation of low-level laser therapy effectiveness on the pain and masticatory performance of patients with myofascial pain

This study investigated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the masticatory performance (MP), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and pain intensity in patients with myofascial pain. Twenty-one subjects, with myofascial pain according to Research Diagnostic Criteria/temporomandibular dysfunction, were divided into laser group (n = 12) and placebo group (n = 9) to receive laser therapy (active or placebo) two times per week for 4 weeks. The measured variables were: (1) MP by analysis of the geometric mean diameter (GMD) of the chewed particles using Optocal test material, (2) PPT by a pressure algometer, and (3) pain intensity by the visual analog scale (VAS). Measurements of MP and PPT were obtained at three time points: baseline, at the end of treatment with low-level laser and 30 days after (follow-up). VAS was measured at the same times as above and weekly throughout the laser therapy. The Friedman test was used at a significance level of 5% for data analysis. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Sergipe (CAAE: 0025.0.107.000-10). A reduction in the GMD of crushed particles (p < 0.01) and an increase in PPT (p < 0.05) were seen only in the laser group when comparing the baseline and end-of-treatment values. Both groups showed a decrease in pain intensity at the end of treatment. LLLT promoted an improvement in MP and PPT of the masticatory muscles.

The anti-inflammatory effect of low-level laser therapy on experimentally induced inflammation of rabbit temporomandibular joint retrodiscal tissues

AIMS

To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on experimentally induced inflammation in retrodiscal tissues of the rabbit temporo?mandibular joint (TMJ) using scintigraphic imaging.

METHODS

Eleven male New Zealand rabbits were included in this study. Six randomly selected rabbits were imaged to provide normal joint images (normal group) before the initiation of the experiment. A 5% formalin solution was locally injected into both right and left TMJs of all rabbits. Subsequently, Ga-Al-As laser (wavelength: 815 nm; energy density: 12 J/cm2; output power: 250 mW) was applied for 48 seconds. The treatment was performed six times for 2 weeks to the left TMJ of all rabbits. The right TMJs of the rabbits were used as the control (nontreated) TMJ group, while left TMJs were used as the treated TMJ group. Static images of TMJ were taken at 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days after the beginning of the treatment. The images of all TMJs were taken in the posteroanterior direction with the rabbit under sedation and its mouth open. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare group differences, and intragroup differences were determined by the Friedman test and Wilcoxon sign test.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between normal and both the control and treated TMJ groups. A reduction of inflammation in both treated and control TMJ groups was obtained, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Under the conditions used in this study, quantitative scintigraphic measurements of TMJ inflammation of the treated TMJ group decreased but did not differ significantly from those of the control TMJ group.

Low level lasers in dentistry

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) uses light energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), to elicit biological responses in the body. The increased cellular energy and changes in the cell membrane permeability result in pain relief, wound healing, muscle relaxation, immune system modulation, and nerve regeneration. This article investigates the clinical effects of LLLT and explains how it can be applied in the dental field.

Plasmacytoma in the temporomandibular joint: a case report

We report a case of a 64-year-old patient in whom limitation of mouth opening was the presenting symptom of plasmacytoma. Intra-oral biopsy confirmed a plasma-cell tumour, with no sign of extension on imaging. He was treated with radiotherapy (4000 cGy) and followed up. The diagnosis of solitary plasmacytoma of bone can be confirmed only when the presence of systemic disease has been excluded by clinical, biological, and radiological investigations. We think that the treatment should consist only of radiotherapy. Long-term follow-up is necessary because of the high risk of development of multiple myeloma, which may be delayed.

Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Placebo-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment for pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) was investigated in a controlled study comparing applied energy density, subgroups of TMD, and duration of disorders.

BACKGROUND DATA

Although LLLT is a physical therapy used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, there is little evidence for its effectiveness in the treatment of TMD.

METHODS

The study group of 61 patients was treated with 10 J/cm(2) or 15 J/cm(2), and the control group of 19 patients was treated with 0.1 J/cm(2). LLLT was performed by a GaAlAs diode laser with output of 400 mW emitting radiation wavelength of 830 nm in 10 sessions. The probe with aperture 0.2 cm(2) was placed over the painful muscle spots in the patients with myofascial pain. In patients with TMD arthralgia the probe was placed behind, in front of, and above the mandibular condyle, and into the meatus acusticus externus. Changes in pain were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

Application of 10 J/cm(2) or 15 J/cm(2) was significantly more effective in reducing pain compared to placebo, but there were no significant differences between the energy densities used in the study group and between patients with myofascial pain and temporomandibular joint arthralgia. Results were marked in those with chronic pain.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that LLLT (application of 10 J/cm(2) and 15 J/cm(2)) can be considered as a useful method for the treatment of TMD-related pain, especially long lasting pain.

Evaluation of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of myogenic originated temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

BACKGROUND DATA

Limited studies have demonstrated that LLLT may have a therapeutic effect on the treatment of TMD.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with myogenic TMD-associated orofacial pain, limited mandibular movements, chewing difficulties, and tender points were included in this study. Twenty-four of them were treated with LLLT for 10 sessions per day excluding weekends as test group, and 15 patients with the same protocol received placebo laser treatment as a control group. These parameters were assessed just before, just after, and 1 month after the treatment.

RESULTS

Maximal mouth-opening improvement, and reductions in pain and chewing difficulty were statistically significant in the test group when compared with the control group. Statistically significant improvements were also detected between two groups regarding reduction in the number of tender points.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this placebo-controlled report, LLLT is an appropriate treatment for TMD and should be considered as an alternative to other methods.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, relaxation training, and biofeedback in the management of temporomandibular disorder

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This systematic review analyzed studies examining the effectiveness of various physical therapy interventions for temporomandibular disorder.

METHODS

Studies met 4 criteria: (1) subjects were from 1 of 3 groups identified in the first axis of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, (2) the intervention was within the realm of physical therapist practice, (3) an experimental design was used, and (4) outcome measures assessed one or more primary presenting symptoms. Thirty studies were evaluated using Sackett's rules of evidence and 10 scientific rigor criteria. Four randomly selected articles were classified independently by 2 raters (interrater agreement of 100% for levels of evidence and 73.5% for methodological rigor).

RESULTS

The following recommendations arose from the 30 studies: (1) active exercises and manual mobilizations may be effective; (2) postural training may be used in combination with other interventions, as independent effects of postural training are unknown; (3) mid-laser therapy may be more effective than other electrotherapy modalities; (4) programs involving relaxation techniques and biofeedback, electromyography training, and proprioceptive re-education may be more effective than placebo treatment or occlusal splints; and (5) combinations of active exercises, manual therapy, postural correction, and relaxation techniques may be effective.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These recommendations should be viewed cautiously. Consensus on defining temporomandibular joint disorder, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and use of reliable and valid outcome measures would yield more rigorous research.

Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular disorder

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder and to compare treatment effects in myogenic and arthrogenic cases.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and randomly allocated to active treatment (n=20) and placebo treatment (n= 15) groups. In addition to a daily exercise program, all patients were treated with fifteen sessions of low-level laser therapy. Pain, joint motion, number of joint sounds and tender points were assessed.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in pain was observed in both active and placebo treatment groups. Active and passive maximum mouth opening, lateral motion, number of tender points were significantly improved only in the active treatment group. Treatment effects in myogenic and arthrogenic cases were similar.

CONCLUSION

Low-level laser therapy can be considered as an alternative physical modality in the management of temporomandibular disorder.

Postoperative ionizing radiation in the management of heterotopic bone formation in the temporomandibular joint

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and possible morbidity of postoperative low-dose ionizing radiation in the treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1987 to 1996, 14 patients with a history of multiple surgeries and recurrent temporomandibular joint ankylosis were treated postsurgically with radiation therapy. The treatment regimen initially selected was a postoperative dose of 2,000 rads in 10 fractions. Subsequently, 1,000 rads was found to be as effective. The success of therapy was assessed by means of serial radiographic studies and clinical examination, with the longest follow-up being 9 years.

RESULTS

Thirteen of 14 patients (93%) showed radiographic evidence of decreased heterotopic bone formation. No patient redeveloped ankylosis. A transient xerostomia appeared to be the only significant complication.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose ionizing radiation therapy, consisting of 1,000 rads given in five fractionated doses soon after surgical treatment, reduces recurrent heterotopic bone formation and appears to be a useful adjunct to the surgical management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis-affected temporomandibular joint pain analgesia by linear polarized near infrared irradiation

PURPOSE

To describe a new short-term treatment for pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-affected temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

CLINICAL FEATURES

We investigated four female patients (age 42.8+/-26.0 yr) with chronic rheumatoid arthritis affecting a single TMJ. Patients had received antirheumatic drugs such as sodium aurothiomalate, and as a result showed no symptoms in other body joints. Linear polarized near infrared radiation using Super Lizer was applied weekly with and/or without jaw movement to the unilateral skin areas overlying the mandibular fossa, anterior articular tubercle, masseter muscle and posterior margin of the ramus of the mandible. The duration of irradiation to each point was two seconds on and ten seconds off per cycle and the intensity at each point was approximately 138 J x cm(-2) at a wavelength of 830 nm. Interincisal distance was measured with maximal mouth opening in the absence and presence of pain before and after each treatment. Additionally, subjective TMJ pain scores assessed using a visual analog scale were performed for painful maximal mouth opening before and after each irradiation. TMJ pain disappeared after only four treatments. Moreover, painless maximal mouth opening without pain after irradiation in three patients was on average improved to 5.3+/-2.1 mm. However, one case was observed where the opening length prior to irradiation did not improve, despite the fact that the RA-affected TMJ pain had disappeared.

CONCLUSION

Application of linear polarized near infrared irradiation to patients with RA-affected TMJ pain is an effective and non-invasive short-term treatment.

Low level laser therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a double-blind pilot study

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of a Low-Level Laser therapy in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) using a double-blind design. A sample of 20 patients with a chief complaint of pain was divided into myogenous and arthrogenous groups. The sample was also divided on the basis of the treatment rendered: real versus placebo treatment. An 830 nm Ga-Al-As Laser device with a energy power of 4 joules was used (OMNILASE, LASERDYNE PTY LTD.) in three treatment sessions. To evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for pain and active range of motion (AROM) was used to measure changes in mandibular function. Using real laser treatment, the author found that there was a reported improvement in pain only for the myogenous pain patients (p < or = 0.02). For the arthrogenous pain patients, real laser treatment resulted in an improvement in Total Vertical Opening (TVO) (p < 0.05), Protrusive excursion (PROT) (p < 0.02) and Left lateral excursion (LATLEF) (p < 0.02). The placebo control group showed improvement in TVO and PROT for those patients having myogenous pain and LATLEF for those patients having arthrogenous pain. A repeated measurement one-way ANOVA demonstrated no significant differences between real and placebo groups. Considering the non-invasive and harmless characteristics of this modality, more research is recommended, using higher power and increased frequency of laser applications.

[Chondrosarcoma of the temporomandibular joint. Apropos of a case and review of the literature]

Chondrosarcomas of the temporo-mandibular joint are exceptional and have been previously reported in the literature in only seven cases. A case located in the temporal bone with extension in the infratemporal fossa and the cranial base is presented. Treatment consisted in a wide surgical resection combined with postoperative radiotherapy. The patient is alive with a follow-up of more than two years.

Synovial cell sarcoma of the temporomandibular joint

Synovial cell sarcoma is a relatively rare tumor that occurs infrequently in the head and neck. Despite the low incidence, synovial cell sarcoma should be a part of the differential diagnosis when evaluating masses in the head and neck region. The primary mode of treatment is wide en bloc excision. The decision to perform lymph node dissections should be based on physical findings or imaging studies that suggest lymphadenopathy. Post-operative radiation therapy is believed to be of value, but only in large doses of 65 Gy or more. The role of chemotherapy remains unclear. Despite recent advances, the prognosis for this disease remains poor. This report describes the fourth reported case of synovial cell sarcoma involving the temporomandibular joint. The case report details the principles of wide excision and adjuvant radiation therapy in the treatment of synovial cell sarcoma.

Clinical analysis of mid-laser versus placebo treatment of arthralgic TMJ degenerative joints

Laser therapy has been found effective in the management of pain associated with rheumatoid and degenerative joint arthritis and disease. The efficacy of mid-laser therapy has been tested specifically on patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD) involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The following controlled clinical study was designed to test the efficacy of mid-laser therapy to placebo therapy in the reduction of pain associated with TMJ disorders specific to arthralgic DJD.

[Lasers in dentistry and in oral and maxillofacial surgery]

During the last few years, lasers have begun to appear in dentistry. There are, however, different types of lasers and different therapeutic indications in almost every field of dentistry. This is a review of the current literature on the applications of lasers in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Infrared laser in the treatment of craniomandibular disorders, arthrogenous pain

The fast removal of intra-articular inflammation of the temporomandibular joint in five different patients after infrared laser application is described. Parameters of clinical evaluation was maximum mouth opening and subjective pain. The application of infrared laser of 700 Hz frequency for 3 minutes during five consecutive days at the skin over the painful area of the temporomandibular joint was used. However, the importance of concomitant mandibular stabilization is stressed to achieve optimal result.