Splint Therapy Research Articles

The use of a passive tongue restraint device with moisture bubble to treat obstructive sleep apnea in a case contraindicated for mandibular advancement splint therapy

The use of a passive tongue restraint device with moisture bubble to treat obstructive sleep apnea in a case contraindicated for mandibular advancement splint therapy

The effects of counterforce brace on pain in subjects with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Lateral elbow tendinopathy, also known as "tennis elbow" or "lateral epicondylitis," is a common disease leading to pain in the lateral side of the elbow and disability during hand gripping. A counterforce brace is one of the most conventional treatments. However, its effects on outcomes remain inconclusive. To investigate the effects of counterforce braces on pain in subjects with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Grip strength was reviewed as a secondary outcome. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PEDro, ProQuest, RECAL, and RehabData were searched from January 1, 1995, through June 15, 2019. Seventeen studies were included with a total of 1145 participants. A small improvement in pain over the short term (standardized mean difference -0.02; 95% confidence interval: -0.85 to 0.80) and a moderate-to-large improvement in pain in subjects 45 years or younger (standardized mean difference -0.86; 95% confidence interval: -2.45 to 0.72) in favor of the brace versus physiotherapy interventions were found. In contrast, over the long-term physiotherapy interventions (standardized mean difference 1.17; 95% confidence interval: -0.00 to 2.34), wrist splint (standardized mean difference 0.35; 95% confidence interval: -0.07 to 0.76), and laser therapy (standardized mean difference 0.58; 95% confidence interval: -0.44 to 1.59) had better effects on pain improvement versus the brace. The results indicated that physiotherapy interventions compared to counterforce braces have better effects, especially over the long-term. However, counterforce braces may have better effects on pain in younger people (<45 years old) over the short term (<6 weeks). The results suggest that counterforce bracing is a reasonable strategy to alleviate pain over the short term. However, the subgroup analysis suggests that factors such as age may have a role in their effectiveness.

Effect of occlusal splint on oxidative stress markers and psychological aspects of chronic temporomandibular pain: a randomized controlled trial

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), when progress to a chronic state, might contribute to psychosocial or psychological distress. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of stabilization splint (SS) therapy on pain, pain-related disability and psychological traits of chronic TMD patients, as well as to assess selected oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers during 6-month treatment and associate them with the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Thirty-four participants were randomly assigned into two treatment groups [SS and placebo splint (PS)]. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and pain-related disability while secondary outcomes included depressive and anxiety symptoms. The influence of the treatment type was analyzed with regards to the levels of OS biomarkers in saliva. Participants treated with SS demonstrated significantly greater improvement in pain-related disability (Pain-free mouth opening: p = 0.018, η2 = 0.166; Number of disability days: p = 0.023, η2 = 0.155) and greater reduction of depressive symptoms scores (p = 0.007, η2 = 0.207). When compared to the PS group, participants in the SS group showed a significant reduction of oxidant/antioxidant ratio (p = 0.018, η2 = 0.167) at a 3-month follow-up. A stabilization splint provides advantages over PS in the treatment of depressive symptoms and pain-related disability. Furthermore, clinical success in terms of reduction of depressive symptoms, which correlates with the reduction of oxidative stress markers in the SS group, indicates that oxidative stress is related to psychological factors in chronic TMD patients.

Interdisciplinary aspects of rehabilitation of patients with the functional disorders of temporomandibular joint

Objective : Designing effective interdisciplinary scheme for the diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Methods : 76 patients with complaints of pain, discomfort and constraint in masticatory muscles and TMJ, and headache were examined. When diagnosing, testing was carried out according to the Hamburg Protocol; according to its results three study groups were formed. Results: With minor initial functional changes in the muscles (group 1), splint therapy is sufficient to achieve the clinical effect. In more severe cases (2 nd and 3 rd groups), the use of transcranial electrical stimulation is effective, and muscle relaxants should be prescribed only if the latter is ineffective. Conclusions : An optimal differentiated scheme of interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of patients with functional TMJ disorders has been developed: an express examination according to the Hamburg Protocol determines the severity of the pathology, and electromyography is used not only as a diagnostic, but also as an evaluation criterion for the effectiveness of interdisciplinary rehabilitation at the intermediate and final stages.

Evaluation of effectiveness of three-dimensional printed ear splint therapy following ear elevation surgery in microtia patients: A randomized controlled trial

AimThis study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a 3D-printed ear splint with that of a conventional thermoplastic ear splint after microtia reconstruction. MethodsPatients who underwent ear elevation surgery with postauricular fascia coverage between October 2017 and October 2018 were included. They were randomly divided into the experimental group (3D-printed ear splint) and the control group (thermoplastic ear splint) and underwent routine postoperative rehabilitation and antiscar therapy. Splint therapy was initiated 4 weeks postoperatively and continued until 24 weeks postoperatively. The evaluated indices were the Vancouver scar scale score (VSS score), cranioauricular distance, patient compliance, complications (dermatitis, skin ulcers, skin necrosis), and patient satisfaction. A two-group t-test was carried out to compare all variables except patient satisfaction, which was compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test; p < 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsTwenty patients were included in each group. At 4 weeks postoperatively, the VSS score (p = 0.748) and cranioauricular distance (p = 0.647) showed no significant differences between the groups. At 24 weeks postoperatively, the mean VSS scores were 4.85 ± 1.46 and 6.25 ± 1.74 (p = 0.009), the mean cranioauricular distances were 15.80 ± 1.82 mm and 13.95 ± 1.93 mm (p = 0.004), and the patient satisfaction scores were 4.5 ± 0.51 and 3.7 ± 0.47 (p < 0.001) in the experimental group and the control group, respectively, all showing significant differences. Two patients in each group exhibited skin irritation or skin ulcers, which resolved after 6 months of follow-up. ConclusionThe application of 3D-printed ear splints provides better inhibition of scar contracture, better maintenance of ear projection and higher patient satisfaction than conventional ear splints following ear elevation surgery in microtia patients. Therefore, 3D-printed ear splints should be preferred over conventional ear splints whenever possible.

Sonoelastic response of median nerve to rehabilitation in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Aim of the studyTo evaluate the sonoelastic response of the median nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome following conservative rehabilitation with splint plus exercise regimens.Materials and methodsA total of thirty-five patients diagnosed with mild carpal tunnel syndrome and treated with splint plus exercise therapy; hand resting splint all day for 3 weeks and then only at nights along with nerve gliding exercises in 10 repetitions 3 times a day. The median nerve was evaluated clinically prior to the treatment and at week 6 of therapy using physical examination, electrodiagnostic neurophysiology tests and radiological imaging; Boston Scores, electromyogram, ultrasonography and sonoelastography.ResultsFollowing the 6-week treatment protocol on 35 subjects with mild carpal tunnel syndrome, sonoelastography showed significantly softer median nerve, while the traditional parameters based on Boston Scores and cross-sectional area based on ultrasonography remained nearly unresponsive. Such early indication of biomechanical changes in the nerve may be of clinical importance if it can offer a prognostic value of the applied treatment, while tissue softening suggests the alleviation of nerve compression.ConclusionsSonoelasticity of the median nerve can serve as a reliable marker for assessing therapeutic changes in median nerve stiffness and potentially the outcome early on in mild carpal tunnel syndrome.

Successful splint therapy for embouchure dystonia in a trumpet player

This clinical report describes a straightforward oral device technique that successfully allowed a patient with embouchure dystonia to regain his ability to play the trumpet.

Photobiomodulation and Stem Cell Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Disc Disorders

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to a group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its related muscles. The two commonly used treatment modalities for TMD are occlusal splint therapy and relaxation therapy. Neither comprises definitive treatment. Objective: The objective of this review was to report updated information on photobiomodulation and stem cells, as an alternative treatment for the degenerative TMJ disc as a part of TMJ disorders. Materials and methods: With only a few research studies reported till date, this review also proposes the mechanism of laser irradiation on inflammatory mediators to treat TMD. Results: Photobiomodulation of stem cells with and without scaffolds could be used indirectly or directly as modulation of degenerative changes of the TMJ disc. Conclusions: The need for a distinct shift of the research margin in this field of dentistry is evident, specifically regarding the application of photobiomodulation and stem cells for tissue engineering of the TMJ disc.

Long-term Changes of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis on Computed Tomography

This study aimed to understand long-term changes of the osteoarthritic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condyle using computed tomography (CT) and to verify its correlation with clinical characteristics of temporomandibular disorders. Eighty-nine patients (152 joints; 76 female, 13 male) who had taken follow-up CTs (mean follow-up period: 644.58 ± 325.71 days) at least once in addition to their initial evaluation were selected. Cross-sectional demographic and clinical data and longitudinal CT images were collected. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and logistic regression. Overall destructive change index (number of TMJ condyle sections in which destructive change was observed) decreased from 1.56 to 0.66. Improvement was seen in 93 joints (61.2%) and 27 joints (17.8%) worsened. In the pain positive group, both initial and final destructive change index were significantly higher compared to the pain negative group (p = 0.04). Occlusal stabilization splint therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration showed a significant effect on improving the prognosis of TMJ osteoarthritis (p = 0.015 and 0.011). In conclusion, TMJ osteoarthritis showed long-term improvement in the majority of cases. TMJ osteoarthritis accompanied by pain showed unfavorable prognosis with additional bone destruction. Occlusal stabilization splint and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration were beneficial on the prognosis of TMJ osteoarthritis.

Effects on migraine, neck pain, and head and neck posture, of temporomandibular disorder treatment: Study of a retrospective cohort

ObjectivesThe present study purposed to observe the response of comorbidities of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) including migraine and cervical dysfunction after painful TMD treatment. DesignA total of 187 patients were included: 45 had no symptoms related to the painful TMD and migraine (Control), 52 had the painful TMD only (pTMD), 47 had the painful TMD that occurred earlier than the migraine (TMD1ST), and 43 had the migraine that occurred earlier than the painful TMD (MIG1ST). All patients were diagnosed based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Head and neck posture were assessed using lateral cephalogram. Myofascial trigger points were evaluated in the two masticatory and four cervical muscles. Stabilization splint therapy and physical therapy were applied to all patients for six months. ResultsMIG1ST showed lesser improvement of the intensity of the orofacial and neck pain and forward head posture than the pTMD and TMD1ST after 6 months TMD treatment. In addition, lesser degree of symptomatic progress of intensity, duration and frequency of the migraine in MIG1ST was detected than in TMD1ST after 6 months TMD treatment. ConclusionThe effects of TMD management on symptomatic changes of its comorbidities including the migraine and cervical dysfunction could be determined by onset order of comorbid conditions relative to TMD.

Conservative Management of de Quervain Stenosing Tenosynovitis: Review and Presentation of Treatment Algorithm.

Nonsurgical management of de Quervain disease relies mainly on the use of oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug administration, splint therapy, and corticosteroid injections. Although the latter is most effective, with documented success rates of 61 to 83 percent, there exists no clear consensus pertaining to conservative treatment protocols conferring the best outcomes. This article reports on all present conservative treatment modalities in use for the management of de Quervain disease and highlights specific treatment- and patient-related factors associated with the best outcomes. A systematic search was performed using the PubMed database using appropriate search terms; two independent reviewers evaluated retrieved articles using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 66 articles met the inclusion criteria for review, consisting of 22 articles reporting on outcomes following a single conservative treatment modality, eight articles reporting on combined treatment approaches, 13 articles directly comparing different conservative treatment regimens, and 23 case reports. A multimodal approach using splint therapy and corticosteroid injections appears to be more beneficial than either used in isolation. Although there exists some evidence showing that multipoint injection techniques and multiple injections before surgical referral may provide benefit over a single point injection technique and a single injection before surgery, corticosteroid use is not benign and should thus be performed with caution. Ultrasound was proven valuable in the visualization of an intercompartmental septum, and ultrasound-guided injections were shown to both be more accurate and confer better outcomes. Several prior and concurrent medical conditions may affect conservative treatment outcome. A Level I to II evidence-based treatment protocol is recommended for the optimal nonsurgical management of de Quervain disease.

Technology at the service of surgery in a new technique of autotransplantation by guided surgery: a case report

BackgroundThe aim of this case report was to use a surgical technique for autotransplantation of tooth using virtually planned 3D printed surgical templates for guided osteotomy preparation of the recipient of donor tooth.Case presentationAn 18-year-old male patient received autotransplantation of the right mandibular third molar to replace an included right second molar. This procedure was based on guided implant surgery methods by superimposition of DICOM files and 3D data sets of the jaws. In order to design a 3D-printed template with the aid of a fully digital workflow; the third molar was conserved in PRGF during the surgical procedure and the tooth socket was prepared with a template and the help of a 3D-printed donor tooth copy in order to prevent iatrogenic damage to the donor tooth. This template and replica were manufactured using 3D-printing techniques. The transplanted tooth was placed in infra-occlusion and fixed with a suture splint and root canal therapy was performed 15 days later. The intervention was be accomplished by performing preplanned virtual transplantations with guided osteotomies to ensure accurate donor tooth placement in the new recipient site. The 24 months follow-up showed physiological clinical and radiologic results compatible with healing periradicular tissues.ConclusionsThis approach enables the planning and production of a 3D printed surgical template using the latest diagnostic methods and techniques of guided implant surgery. These accurate virtually predesigned surgical templates and printed analogues of the donor tooth could facilitate autotransplantation, ensuring an atraumatic surgical protocol.

Evaluation the effects of low-level laser therapy on disc displacement with reduction.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of additional low-level laser therapy (940 nm GaAlAs) to the routine occlusal splint therapy on maximal mouth opening (MMO), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and passive mouth opening (PMO). Between January 2016 and March 2018, a total of 40 patients (10 males, 30 females; mean age 22.35 years; range, 18 to 60 years) with disc displacement with reduction of the temporomandibular joint were included. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (control group, n=20) received routine non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy and occlusal splint therapy for eight hours per day for a total of three months. Group 2 (laser group, n=20) received NSAID, occlusal splint therapy and 940 nm wavelength diode laser therapy for two sessions per week for a total of four weeks. The MMO, PMO, and VAS scores were recorded before and at one, two, three, four, and 12 weeks after treatment. The joint and muscle examinations were performed. A constant decrease was found in the VAS scores in both groups. At four (p=0.008) and 12 weeks (p=0.003), a statistically significant difference in the VAS scores was observed. At all time points, PMO and MMO scores increased in both groups. The MMO scores were statistically higher in the laser group at all time points (p<0.005). Our study results suggest that short-term low-level laser therapy additional to conventional treatment may yield satisfactory outcomes.

ANALYSIS OF EFFICIENCY OF THE TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR DISORDERS TREATMENT

Relevance. Treatment of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions still stays an urgent issue of modern stomatology. Its significance is predisposed for its high incidence and annual increase in patients’ referrals as well as diversity of it clinical manifestations, complexity of diagnosis and treatment, variability of clinical pattern, which requires a multi-disciplinary approach. According to Ukrainian and foreign authors, the TMJ pathologies take up the third place after caries and parodontal diseases, being diagnosed in 20 % of children and almost 87 % of adults. The share of patients with the TMJ dysfunction increases every year. The 79 % are represented with the intra-capsular disorders of the temporo-mandibular joints. The study was necessitated by the fact that there is still no single agreement in the treatment methods and definite treatment protocols regarding the intracapsular TMJ disorders.&#x0D; Objectives: analysis of efficiency of the TMJ intracapsular disorders patients’ treatment using the pathogenetically rationalized conservative and mini-invasive surgical methods.&#x0D; Methods and materials. The study includes the data of 38 patients with complaints of the TMJ region pain and the TMJ dysfunction. All patients were examined according to the common protocol. According to the disorder stage, the patients were administered either the conservative treatment course using the treatment tray on the mandible or maxilla, with the subsequent orthopedic or prosthetic treatment, or the splint therapy with subsequent surgical intervention.&#x0D; Results. Having analyzed the dynamical pattern of the treatment outcomes within the study, it has been detected that the surgical injection correction of the TMJ disorders was effective in all examined patients. To provide for the long-term steady treatment outcome the prosthetic-orthopedic rehabilitation measures were indicated, aimed at preserving the correct occlusion relation.&#x0D; Conclusion. The method of hyaluronic acid preparations injection into the TMJ cavity as a stage of the TMJ dysfunction therapy has proven its effectiveness in all the examined patients. In order to achieve the long-term steady result, the patients were recommended prosthetic-orthopedic rehabilitation for producing and supporting the occlusion relation.

Effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy in the management of temporomandibular disorders: network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

A network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to assess the effectiveness of various types of occlusal splint in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and to rank them according to their effectiveness. An electronic search was undertaken to identify RCTs published until August 2019. Predictor variables were control, non-occluding splint, hard stabilization splint (HSS), soft stabilization splint (SSS), prefabricated splint, mini-anterior splint, anterior repositioning splint (ARS), and counselling therapy (CT) with or without HSS. Outcome variables were pain improvement, post-treatment pain intensity, improvement in mouth opening, and disappearance of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds. Forty-eight RCTs were included. There was a significant decrease in post-treatment pain intensity in arthrogenous TMDs after ARS (low quality evidence), CT+HSS (moderate quality evidence), mini-anterior splints (very low quality evidence), and HSS alone (low quality evidence), when compared to the control. There was a significant decrease in post-treatment pain intensity in myogenous TMDs with mini-anterior splints (very low quality evidence), SSS (very low quality evidence), CT alone (moderate quality evidence), CT+HSS (moderate quality evidence), and HSS alone (moderate quality evidence), when compared to control. ARS and CT were superior in decreasing TMJ clicking than control and HSS alone. The three highest-ranked treatments for post-treatment pain reduction in arthrogenous TMDs were ARS (92%, very low quality evidence), CT+HSS (67.3%, low quality evidence), and HSS alone (52.9%, moderate quality evidence). For myogenous TMDs, they were mini-anterior splints (86.8%, low quality evidence), CT+HSS (61.2%, very low quality evidence), and HSS alone (59.7%, moderate quality evidence). Based on this NMA of 48 RCTs, there is moderate to very low quality evidence confirming the effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy in the treatment of TMDs. Multimodal therapy consisting of CT+HSS may produce the maximum improvement for TMD patients.

Long-term effects of splint therapy in patients with posttraumatic stress disease (PTSD)

ObjectivesThe aim of a pilot study was to clarify the question of whether mouth opening restrictions in patients with PTSD by means of splint therapy (st) show long-term therapeutic effects in the case of functional disorders.Material and methodsIn 31 of 36 inpatients (soldiers, average age 37.1 ± 7.3 years, 26.7 ± 2.1 teeth) with confirmed posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic pain intensity > 6 (visual analogue scale 0 to 10), the mouth opening was determined, and the functional status (RDC-TMD) was recorded. All participants received a splint that was worn at night. A control of the therapeutic effect of the splint occurred after 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months.ResultsThe mouth opening initially had an average of 30.9 ± 6.5 mm (median 31 mm). The pain intensity (PI) was reported to be on average VAS 8.3 ± 0.9, the chronic degree of pain according to von Korff was 3.9 ± 03. Six weeks after the st (n = 31), the average mouth opening was 49.5 ± 6.3 mm (median 51.5). PI was given as VAS 2.3 ± 1.1 on average. After 3, 6, and 12 months, 24, 15, and 14 subjects could be interviewed regarding PI. Based on the last examination date of all subjects, the average PI was given as 1.1 ± 0.9 (median 1).ConclusionThe presented data show that the therapeutic short-term results achieved by means of a splint remain valid on the long term despite continued PTSD.Clinical relevanceThe presented study shows that patients will benefit in the long term from a splint and remain symptom-free, even if this mental illness persists.

Evaluation of post-surgical stability in skeletal class II patients with idiopathic condylar resorption treated with functional splint therapy

PurposeTo assess postsurgical stability of mandibular advancement combined with orthodontic treatment, following functional splint therapy, in patients with idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR). Patients and methodsSixteen patients who were treated with functional splint therapy followed by orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontic treatment between 2010 and 2017 were included in this retrospective study. The primary outcome variable was skeletal stability, measured on the y-axis to point B (y-axis–B). Cephalometric analysis, including measurement of temporomandibular joint spaces, was carried out on serial magnetic resonance images (MRI) prior to orthognathic surgery (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), and after at least 1 year of follow-up (T2). The differences in the data between time points were compared using statistical analyses. ResultsAll patients obtained an esthetic facial profile after orthognathic surgery, with normal occlusion as well as normal protrusive and laterotrusive excursion after treatment. Mean advancement of the mandible immediately following surgery (y-axis–B, T1 − T0) was 7.28 ± 5.79 mm. This was the only skeletal measurement that showed a sagittal positional change of the mandible. Mean backward movement (T2 − T1) was −1.04 ± 2.35 mm (p2 = 0.116). Thirteen out of 16 patients experienced no postsurgical relapse or less than 2 mm of mandibular backward movement (81.25%), while two out of 16 patients showed more than 2 mm of mandibular backward movement (12.5%). ConclusionsPatients who underwent mandibular advancement combined with orthodontic treatment, following functional splint therapy, exhibited a stable mandibular position at the 1-year follow-up. This study indicated that functional splint therapy prior to orthognathic surgery for mandibular advancement may be a good adjuvant treatment for ICR patients.

Low-level laser therapy vs local anesthetic injection with muscle relaxant splint as a combination therapy for myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome a clinical study

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of low-level laser therapy vs injection of long acting anesthetic drug as an adjunctive treatment in combination with muscle relaxant splint in treating patients suffering from myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS). Patients and methods A total of 36 MPDS female patients represented the candidates of the present study. They were all treated with muscle relaxant splint then randomly divided into three equal groups; group 1 was treated solely with occlusal splints; group 2 was treated with long acting anesthetic injection of both the masseter and temporalis muscles bilaterally in combination with the splint therapy, while group 3 was treated with low-level laser therapy in combination with the splint therapy. Results All patients completed the study period with improvement in their visual analog scale, mouth opening and electromyography. Group 3 showed statistical significant improvement in all measures compared to group 1 and group 2. Conclusion All the utilized treatment modalities aided in reliving the signs and symptoms of the MPD patients and improved their mouth opening and muscle activity. Utilizing low-level laser therapy in combination with splint therapy was found to be the best adjunctive treatment modality, compared to the injection of long acting anesthetic agent and splint therapy.

Comparison of immediate response to four conservative treatment modalities for management of masticatory myalgia with limited mandibular movement: a retrospective study.

Conservative treatment modalities are recommended for managing masticatory myalgia in individuals with temporomandibular disorders. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review and compare the effectiveness of four conservative treatments: counseling and occlusal splint therapy, counseling and manipulation integrated with electrophysiotherapy, the combination of the two treatments, and counseling only. One hundred and sixty-eight patients who had myalgia with limited jaw movement were retrospectively observed in this study. Between January 2015 and December 2017, 63 patients received counseling and stabilization occlusal splint therapy (Group 1), 35 patients received counseling and manipulation integrated with electrophysiotherapy (Group 2), 33 patients received the combination of counseling, splint therapy, and manipulation integrated with electrophysiotherapy (Group 3), and 37 patients received counseling only (Group 4). All subjects were followed up for 12 weeks. The intensity of spontaneous pain, palpation pain, chewing pain in the masticatory muscles, and range of pain-free maximal mouth opening were recorded in the clinical assessments. Intragroup and intergroup differences were examined by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Spontaneous pain in the masticatory muscles was relieved significantly in all groups at the 6-week visit (P < .05), and no significant difference was found among the groups (P > .05). Palpation pain was relieved significantly at the 9-week visit in the counseling + occlusal splint therapy group, counseling + manipulation + electrophysiotherapy group, and counseling + occlusal splint + manipulation + electrophysiotherapy group (P < .05). In the treatment group with counseling alone, significant palpation pain relief occurred at 12 weeks. Chewing pain was relieved significantly at the 6-week visit in the counseling + occlusal splint therapy group, counseling + manipulation + electrophysiotherapy group, and counseling + occlusal splint + manipulation + electrophysiotherapy group (P < .05), yet no significant difference compared to the baseline was observed in the counseling-only group (P > .05). A significant increase in the maximal range of pain-free mouth opening was observed at the 9-week visit in the counseling + occlusal splint therapy group, and at the 3-week visit in the counseling + manipulation + electrophysiotherapy group and counseling + occlusal splint + manipulation + electrophysiotherapy group (P < .05). Nevertheless, no significant change in the range of mouth opening was found throughout the follow-up period in the counseling-only group (P > .05). Each of the included treatment modalities relieved spontaneous pain and tenderness to palpation of the masticatory muscles during the follow-up intervals. Counseling alone did not help patients with chewing pain and limited mouth opening in the short term. Treatment protocols including counseling, occlusal splint therapy, and manipulation, integrated with electrophysiotherapy showed the best short-term outcomes for symptomatic improvement.

Comprehensive treatment of Costen syndrome

To develop an integrated therapy for the combination of pain syndrome and cochleovestibular syndrome (CVS) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Forty-five patients (42 women and 3 men), aged from 23 to 54 years, with TMJ dysfunction, signs of CVS and complaints of pain in the ear area were stratified into three groups (15 patients each). Patients received pharmacological and osteopathic therapy (group 1); splint therapy followed by orthodontic treatment (group 2) and a combination of the abovementioned methods (group 3). Re-examination was carried out 3 months after completion of treatment. After treatment, complaints of pain, tinnitus, dizziness and nystagmus, the degree of TMJ dysfunction decreased significantly (p<0,05) compared to baseline in groups 1 and 2. In group 3, the most significant and persistent results were obtained, which significantly differed not only from the initial level, but also from the final level of indicators in the first and second groups (p<0,05), including a decrease in the degree of maladaptation associated with vertigo and trait anxiety. Differential diagnosis of CVS in patients with TMJ dysfunction requires the joint participation of dentist, neurologist and ENT doctor and should be comprehensive, including medical, orthodontic and osteopathic components.