Can extracorporeal shock wave therapy be effective in temporomandibular joint disorder?: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with the use of stabilization splint in nonsurgical temporomandibular disorders treatments, and to evaluate the effects.

METHODS

In this study, individuals, who are diagnosed with disc displacements with reduction according to the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder examination criteria. The patients in the first control group (n = 36) were applied a medical treatment + stabilization splint. The second group (n = 25) was applied the ESWT (2 days a week for 4 weeks) + medical treatment + stabilization splint. Visual Analog Scale scores, painless maximum painless mouth opening, and passive-forced mouth opening measurements were recorded for the first and second weeks.

RESULTS

The ESWT application significantly contributed to pain-reducing (Visual Analog Scale) in patients at short notice (P = .030) in the second group. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in painless maximum active mouth opening (P = .009) and passive forced measurements (P = .004) in the second week.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study showed that short-term ESWT addition to stabilization splint and medical treatment may yield satisfactory outcomes.