Non-invasive approach in the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis

Abstract

Introduction Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a set of disorders that involve the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and its associated structures. Osteoarthritis (OA), as one of the forms of TMD, leads to permanent changes in the bone structures of TMJ. These changes can be the cause of serious functional disorders of the TMJ.

Case outline This article describes a case of a 24-year-old female patient who sought help due to pain and swelling in the area of the right and left TMJ, accompanied by muscular tension, severe headaches, which did not respond to medication. After establishing the diagnosis, we applied a therapy in the treatment of the bilateral OA of the TMJ, where we used non-invasive methods. Six months later, the patient reported the absence of pain, swelling, headache, and muscle tension in the orofacial region.

Conclusion There is no “gold standard” for the management of OA of TMJ. In our study, non-invasive therapy was successful in eliminating pain, increasing the range of motion of the lower jaw, stopping the progression of the disease, and advancing the quality of life.

Keywords: temporomandibular joint dysfunction; temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis; stabilization splint; cone beam computed tomography