A multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of temporomandibular joint and cervical spine...

This article presents a multidisciplinary approach to the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cervical spine dysfunction in a heterogeneous population of patients. A methodology for the systematic evaluation and treatment of patients is outlined; case histories are used to illustrate the workings of the model. A study to assess the efficacy of treatment was performed on 27 female and three male adult patients. Results indicated that patients achieved an 87% recovery rate at discharge with an 83% success rate six months after discharge. A control study was undertaken using 16 female and three male adults to establish indications for TMJ occlusal splint therapy in patients who present with questionable TM dysfunction. The multidisciplinary model presented in this article provides a system of patient evaluation and treatment that can be easily adopted by clinicians involved in a team approach to TMJ and cervical spine dysfunction.