A clinical practice guideline for temporomandibular disorders in traditional Korean medicine: An evidence-based approach

Abstract

IntroductionIn overseas reports, temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are said to affect 5–12% of the population, and the number of TMD patients seeking treatment in Korea is on the rise. Even though Korean medicine (KM) treatments are commonly used for TMDs in clinical practice, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for TMDs in traditional KM have not yet been established. This evidence-based KM CPG on TMDs was therefore established. MethodsThe key questions of the KM CPG on TMDs were determined based on clinical practice surveys on the use of KM for TMDs and expert opinion from the relevant academic societies by the CPG development committee. Then, a systematic literature review of KM treatments for TMDs was conducted for each key question, and the guideline draft was created in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) levels of evidence and grades of recommendation. Official consensus was achieved using the Delphi method on the draft, and the draft was further revised through external review to produce the final guideline, which was certified by the relevant academic societies. ResultsA total of 15 recommendations are established to address the 13 key clinical questions about the clinical efficacy of 9 types of KM treatments for TMD, including grades and levels of evidence. ConclusionsThe present guideline is expected to aid in the decision-making process of physicians and TMD patients, improve the overall quality of KM practice, and suggest subjects for future clinical research.