The AAO Journal, 2022/06, 32(2):19-20. doi: 10.53702/2375-5717-32.2.15, type of study: ,cr,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://meridian.allenpress.com/aaoj/article/32/2/15/482674/LBORC-NUFA-Poster-Abstracts-2022-Students)

Keywords:

case report [736]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
temporomandibular joint disorder [12]

Abstract:

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) causes pain and discomfort at the joint connecting the mandible to the skull. Various nonsurgical interventions have been used for the management of patients with TMD, but the efficacy of these interventions remain unclear. This case study aims to provide insight into how osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can be used to improve the symptoms and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Case: A 52-year-old female presented with a 16-year history of TMD starting after orthodontic treatment. She has never received OMT for TMD. Baseline measurements were gathered using the TheraBite scale, Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA), and T-Scan Novus. JVA data was analyzed using Piper classification, which is an analysis of TMJ disk alignment. These measurements were repeated immediately following a 15-minute OMT treatment session focused on the head and neck regions. Results: Following OMT, maximum opening increased from 39mm to 44mm. Pre-treatment bite force distribution was 44.6% on the left and 55.4% on the right. Post-treatment bite force was 47.8% on the left and 52.2% on the right. Piper classification improved from 4B to 4A. Discussion: This case provides a quantitative demonstration of how OMT improves function of the TMJ. OMT may be a more effective option for patients with TMD than current nonsurgical treatments. Treatment provided and measurements obtained are dependent on operator skill. More research is needed to confirm the above findings.