Abstract:

Objective To investigate the outcomes of stabilization occlusal splint in treatment of anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint, and explore the role of MRI in evaluation of the therapeutic effect. Methods Thirty-three patients with anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint diagnosed by MRI and treated by stabilization occlusal splint were selected. According to the conditions of symptomatic relief, occlusal splints were worn for 6 months, from 24 h per day in the early stage to night hours only later. After treatment, mandibular movement function was assessed by oral opening distance, visual analogue scale (VAS) score was obtained, and a second MRI was performed for comparison with MRI findings before treatment. Results After treatment, the mean VAS score was 2.38±1.58, and was significantly lower than that before treatment (7.49±2.09)(P<0.001). The mean oral opening distance was (40.14±5.03) mm, and was significantly larger than that before treatment (26.5±5.12) mm (P<0.001). There was no significant change in MRI findings after treatment in most of the patients. Only two patients were observed to have reduced arthroedema by a second MRI, the articular discs recaptured to normal position in one of them, and the articular interlocking recovered to reducible articular disc displacement in the other. Conclusion Stabilization occlusion splint can significantly relieve the pain and improve the mandibular movement function in the treatment of anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint, and MRI findings can not be used as the single criterion for evaluation of therapeutic effect.

Key words: stabilization occlusal splint, disc displacement, magnetic resonance imaging