Physical therapy of temporomandibular disorder in a child with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the occurrence of polyarticular contractures. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect 25% of patients with arthrogryposis.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION: In this case report, the authors describe rehabilitation of a child between 8 and 24 months of age with AMC accompanied by Pierre-Robin Sequence. Physiotherapy directed to the TMJ included manual therapy, food intake training, and sensory training.

CONCLUSION

Increase in the mobility of the TMJ and improvement in food intake, swallowing, speech, and breathing were achieved. Further research is necessary for investigating the effects of the proposed protocol of physiotherapy on a larger number of children with AMC and co-occurrence of TMD.