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Therapeutic manipulation of the temporomandibular joint
M E Foster1, R J Gray, S J Davies
1Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Unlabelled:
We present a prospective study of manipulation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) under a general anaesthetic undertaken to find out the success rate in an effort to reduce the number of patients referred for invasive surgery.
Results:
Of the 55 patients invited to participate in this study, 15 improved, 15 did not, 6 showed partial improvement, and 19 were not treated. The median pre-treatment opening was 20mm (range 13-27). Among those who improved after manipulation, the median opening after treatment was 38mm (range 35-56). Some of those who improved experienced a return of TMJ clicking but not of joint or muscle tenderness.
Conclusion:
Manipulation under general anaesthesia helps some patients with disc displacement without reduction.