The AAO Journal, 2025/12, 35(4):25–30. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-35.4.25, type of study: ,cr,

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/4/article-p25.xml)

Keywords:

accident [30]
case report [736]
geriatrics [141]
male [860]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
temporomandibular dysfunction [52]

Abstract:

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) occurs from many causes including trauma, genetics, and arthritis and manifests as jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and/or lock jaw. The typical medical treatments are physical therapy, splint therapy, injections and surgery. However, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a less explored approach and has some supporting evidence in the literature that may offer a less invasive and promising alternative. Case: A 67-year-old male was in a motor vehicle accident where he sustained jaw fractures three months prior to presenting to the Osteopathic Treatment Center with tinnitus, head injury, jaw pain with posterior right premature contact, and painful chewing. Initially, the patient was treated with maxillomandibular fixation, where pins were surgically placed for eight weeks. This was followed by intraoral osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), starting with osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine (OCMM), and then incorporating soft tissue techniques, myofascial release (MFR), muscle energy, and the Still technique. Discussion: This case illustrates the debilitating nature of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and how difficult it is to control and treat. TMD often requires a multimodal approach involving both conservative and invasive techniques such as utilizing OMT and the various modalities, including OCMM. The case presented here is unique due to the acute nature and development of the dysfunction and use of OMT within 3 months of his accident. Conclusion: This case study suggests that OMT can improve the quality of life for patients with TMD secondary to trauma. The use of cranial techniques followed by head and neck treatments was an effective management approach for this patient with TMD pain.