A Device Improves Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Pain Research and Management

Barry C. Cooper¹  Davide Pietropaoli²  Annalisa Monaco²  Eleonora Ortu² 

[1] Division of Translational Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York, NY 14214, USA, buffalo.edu;University of L’Aquila, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, San Salvatore Hospital, Building Delta 6–Unit of Dentistry, V.le San Salvatore, L’Aquila 67100, Italy, univaq.it;

DOI  :  10.1155/2019/5646143

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

Background. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) therapy remains an open challenge for modern dentistry. Herein, we propose a new neuromuscular lingual device able to reduce signs and symptoms of TMD in female patients with chronic orofacial pain. Methods. 50 females with myofascial TMD according to RDC/TMD were randomly assigned to study (n = 25) and control groups (n = 25). At T0, both groups received sEMG/KNG and pain evaluation by the VAS scale. The study group received the ELIBA device (lingual elevator by Balercia) constructed under ULF-TENS (ultra-low-frequency transcoutaneous electrical nervous stimulation). Subjects were instructed to use ELIBA at least for 16 h/day. After 6 months (T1), both groups underwent to sEMG/KNG and VAS revaluation. Results. T1 study group compared to controls showed a significant reduction in total (p<0.0001) and mean (p<0.0001) sEMG values, as well as a significant increase in both maximum vertical mouth opening (p=0.003) and maximum velocity in mouth opening (p=0.003) and closing (p<0.0001). Interestingly, a significant reduction in pain measured by VAS (p<0.0001) was reported. Conclusions. After 6 months, the ELIBA device is able to significantly reduce TMD-associated myogenous pain and to promote the enhancement of sEMG/KNG values. Practical Implications. ELIBA can be considered as a new device, potentially useful for head-neck pain relief in patients suffering from chronic TMD. In addition, its use promotes a muscles relaxation inducing freeway space increase. This characteristic makes it particularly useful for rehabilitation of patients with not enough space for construction of conventional orthotics or neuromuscular bites.

【 授权许可】

CC BY