Evaluation of the Efficacy of Auriculotemporal Nerve Block in Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness of the auriculotemporal nerve block (ATNB) technique in conjunction with noninvasive therapies for the treatment of disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) or without reduction (DDWOR) in addition to arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The data of 22 patients diagnosed with DDWR and DDWOR whose clinical conditions did not improve despite noninvasive treatments were analyzed. ATNB was applied to each patient during the first visit and readministered at 1- and 4-week follow-up visits. Pain intensity values (0 to 10 visual analog scale [VAS] scores) were evaluated pre-ATNB and at the 6-month follow-up visit, and the maximal mouth opening values were measured pre-ATNB and at the 1-week, 4-week, and 6-month follow-up visits. Noninvasive therapies did not make a significant difference in the outcomes between the initial visit and first administration of ATNB (VAS P = .913, MMO P = .151). However, there were significant differences in outcomes between pre-ATNB and the 1-week (MMO P = .000), 4-week (MMO P = .000), and 6-month (VAS P = .027, MMO P = .000) follow-ups. ATNB may be considered as a supportive treatment approach in noninvasive TMJ disorder therapies.