Effectiveness of sequential viscosupplementation in temporomandibular joint internal derangements and symptomatology : a case series

Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive technique that replaces synovial fluid by intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA). Although effective in some joints, there is not conclusive evidence regarding temporomandibular disorders. +is case series described the efficacy of a viscosupplementation protocol in intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. Ten patients with a diagnosis of disc displacement and/or osteoarthritis by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were submitted to four monthly injections of low or medium molecular weight HA. Pain, mandibular function, image analysis by tomography and magnetic resonance, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and follow-ups (1 and 6 months). Pain, jaw range-of-motion, mandibular function, and quality of life improved at follow-up evaluations. Osteoarthritis changes decreased, and 20% of patients improved mandibular head excursion after treatment. Resolution of effusion and improvement in disc morphology were observed for most patients. +is viscosupplementation protocol reduced pain and symptoms associated with internal derangement of temporomandibular joint, improved quality of life, and showed benefits from both low and medium molecular weight HA in alternate cycles

Evaluation of this temporomandibular joint space when using different occlusal splints by cone beam computerized tomography : a case report

Introduction: An occlusal splint is a removable, reversible, non-invasive device made of acrylic, used to promote a harmonious occlusal contact. It is part of an arsenal of therapeutic modalities used in the treatment of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders. However, its mechanisms of action remain controversial. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain its efficiency, such as: repositioning of the condyle or disk; reduction of the masticatory electromyographic activity; change of harmful oral habits; increase of the intra-articular space reducing the overload on the TMJ. Case presentation: This case report aims to demonstrate the changes in TMJ spaces, assessed by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBTC) scans, in a patient with indication to use occlusal splints. She was submitted to occlusal splints of 1 and 3 mm which were used during CBTC acquisition. The measures of the joint spaces with and without splints were compared by image software that shows an alteration of the upper, anterior, posterior, medial and lateral joint spaces. The 3 mm plate promoted an initial translation of condyle. Conclusion: The thicknesses of 3 and 1 mm promoted different joint space variations. The use of different thicknesses enables the individualization of the treatment for different pathologies affecting the TMJ.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition)

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. For example, a key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process versus those that measure fl ux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process including the amount and rate of cargo sequestered and degraded). In particular, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation must be differentiated from stimuli that increase autophagic activity, defi ned as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (inmost higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium ) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the fi eld understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. It is worth emphasizing here that lysosomal digestion is a stage of autophagy and evaluating its competence is a crucial part of the evaluation of autophagic flux, or complete autophagy. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. Along these lines, because of the potential for pleiotropic effects due to blocking autophagy through genetic manipulation it is imperative to delete or knock down more than one autophagy-related gene. In addition, some individual Atg proteins, or groups of proteins, are involved in other cellular pathways so not all Atg proteins can be used as a specific marker for an autophagic process. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field

Laser-acupuntura adjuvante à terapia oclusal reversível: um ensaio clínico controlado em pacientes com desordens temporomandibulares

The temporomandibular chronic symptoms are accompanied by various clinical and emotional expressions that interact unfavorably on patients’ pain perception. Considering the statement, this clinical trial proposed to verify laser-acupuncture therapy efficacy to the patients’ symptoms through a double-blind evaluation controlled by placebo. The study was conducted on a sample of 40 female subjects, located between the ages of 20 and 40 years, with chronic myofascial pain and arthralgia diagnose, as determined by Research to Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group that received the laser acupuncture therapy adjunct to reversible occlusal splint therapy (ROST), while the control group received placebo laser associated with ROST. Both approaches have been imposed for three months, driven by the same therapist, dentist and acupuncturist. Laser acupuncture therapy was applied once a week, for twelve sessions, defined by the parameters: infrared laser radiation, 50mW power output, directed punctuality for 90 seconds to acupuncture points: ST6, SI19, GB20, GB43, LI4, LR3, NT3 and EX-HN3, defining 4.5J energy, 1250W/cm2 density point and 112.5 J/cm2 total density. The primary outcome measure included an assessment of the physical symptoms evolution through the monthly check of the intensity of spontaneous and palpation pain, indicated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The symptoms intensity of depression and somatization was evaluated by the RDC / TMD axis II, administered before and after therapy institution. All evaluations were conducted by a blind assessor. The result shows values of pain intensity significantly lower in experimental group (p ≤ 0.05) since the first month intervention for all structures examined. At the end of the interventions was observed remission of painful symptoms (VAS = 0) in the experimental group and a partial reduction of symptoms in the control group (VAS between 2 and 4). Regarding psychosocial factors, levels of somatization and depression symptoms were modified with the interventions taken in both groups, however, the experimental group showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0,05) compared to the control group. The laser acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to reversible occlusal splint was effective in remission of temporomandibular disorder physics symptoms, also reducing nonspecific physical 9 symptoms and depression associated with stress and chronic pain.A desordem temporomandibular de sintomatologia crônica é acompanhada por uma diversidade de manifestações clínicas e emocionais que interagem de maneira desfavorável na percepção dolorosa dos pacientes. Considerando tal interação, o presente ensaio clínico propôs verificar a eficácia da terapia adjuvante de laser-acupuntura no controle sintomatológico destes pacientes através de uma avaliação duplo-cega controlada por placebo. O estudo foi conduzido em uma amostra de 40 indivíduos do gênero feminino, situados entre as idades de 20 e 40 anos, com diagnóstico de dor miofascial e artralgia crônicas, determinadas pelos Critérios de Diagnóstico para Pesquisas das Desordens Temporomandibulares (RDC/DTM). Os indivíduos foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos: o experimental, que recebeu a terapia de laser-acupuntura adjuvante à intervenção oclusal por placa neuromiorrelaxante (PNMR); enquanto o grupo controle recebeu laser placebo associado à PNMR. Ambas as abordagens foram instituídas por um período de três meses, conduzidas por um mesmo terapeuta, cirurgião-dentista e acupunturista. A terapia de laser-acupuntura aconteceu uma vez por semana, por doze sessões e seguiu os seguintes parâmetros: radiação infravermelha com potência de 50mW, direcionada continuamente por 90 segundos aos pontos de acupuntura: ST6, SI19, GB20, GB43, LI4, LR3, TE3 e EX-HN3, definindo uma energia de 4,5J, uma densidade por ponto de 1250W/cm2 e uma densidade total de 112,5J/cm2. O desfecho principal incluiu a avaliação da evolução da sintomatologia física por meio da verificação mensal da intensidade da dor espontânea e da palpação muscular e articular, indicadas em uma escala visual analógica (EVA). Avaliou-se também a intensidade de sintomas de depressão e somatização por meio do RDC/DTM eixo II, aplicado antes e após a instituição terapêutica. Todas as avaliações foram conduzidas por um avaliador cego. Os resultados revelaram que a partir do primeiro mês das intervenções o grupo experimental exibiu valores de intensidade de dor expressivamente menores (p≤0,05) que o grupo controle, para todas as estruturas examinadas. Ao final das intervenções observou-se a remissão da sintomatologia dolorosa (EVA= 0) no grupo experimental e uma redução dos sintomas no grupo controle (EVA entre 2 e 4). Em relação aos aspectos psicossociais, os níveis de sintomas de somatização e depressão foram modificados com as intervenções 7 adotadas nos dois grupos, no entanto, o grupo experimental apresentou uma significativa diminuição frente ao grupo controle (p ≤ 0,05). A laser-acupuntura adjuvante à terapia oclusal reversível foi eficaz na remissão da sintomatologia física de desordem temporomandibular, além de atuar reduzindo os sintomas físicos inespecíficos e de depressão associados ao estresse e à dor crônica

Laser-acupuntura adjuvante à terapia oclusal reversível: um ensaio clínico controlado em pacientes com desordens temporomandibulares

The temporomandibular chronic symptoms are accompanied by various clinical and emotional expressions that interact unfavorably on patients’ pain perception. Considering the statement, this clinical trial proposed to verify laser-acupuncture therapy efficacy to the patients’ symptoms through a double-blind evaluation controlled by placebo. The study was conducted on a sample of 40 female subjects, located between the ages of 20 and 40 years, with chronic myofascial pain and arthralgia diagnose, as determined by Research to Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group that received the laser acupuncture therapy adjunct to reversible occlusal splint therapy (ROST), while the control group received placebo laser associated with ROST. Both approaches have been imposed for three months, driven by the same therapist, dentist and acupuncturist. Laser acupuncture therapy was applied once a week, for twelve sessions, defined by the parameters: infrared laser radiation, 50mW power output, directed punctuality for 90 seconds to acupuncture points: ST6, SI19, GB20, GB43, LI4, LR3, NT3 and EX-HN3, defining 4.5J energy, 1250W/cm2 density point and 112.5 J/cm2 total density. The primary outcome measure included an assessment of the physical symptoms evolution through the monthly check of the intensity of spontaneous and palpation pain, indicated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The symptoms intensity of depression and somatization was evaluated by the RDC / TMD axis II, administered before and after therapy institution. All evaluations were conducted by a blind assessor. The result shows values of pain intensity significantly lower in experimental group (p ≤ 0.05) since the first month intervention for all structures examined. At the end of the interventions was observed remission of painful symptoms (VAS = 0) in the experimental group and a partial reduction of symptoms in the control group (VAS between 2 and 4). Regarding psychosocial factors, levels of somatization and depression symptoms were modified with the interventions taken in both groups, however, the experimental group showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0,05) compared to the control group. The laser acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to reversible occlusal splint was effective in remission of temporomandibular disorder physics symptoms, also reducing nonspecific physical 9 symptoms and depression associated with stress and chronic pain.A desordem temporomandibular de sintomatologia crônica é acompanhada por uma diversidade de manifestações clínicas e emocionais que interagem de maneira desfavorável na percepção dolorosa dos pacientes. Considerando tal interação, o presente ensaio clínico propôs verificar a eficácia da terapia adjuvante de laser-acupuntura no controle sintomatológico destes pacientes através de uma avaliação duplo-cega controlada por placebo. O estudo foi conduzido em uma amostra de 40 indivíduos do gênero feminino, situados entre as idades de 20 e 40 anos, com diagnóstico de dor miofascial e artralgia crônicas, determinadas pelos Critérios de Diagnóstico para Pesquisas das Desordens Temporomandibulares (RDC/DTM). Os indivíduos foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos: o experimental, que recebeu a terapia de laser-acupuntura adjuvante à intervenção oclusal por placa neuromiorrelaxante (PNMR); enquanto o grupo controle recebeu laser placebo associado à PNMR. Ambas as abordagens foram instituídas por um período de três meses, conduzidas por um mesmo terapeuta, cirurgião-dentista e acupunturista. A terapia de laser-acupuntura aconteceu uma vez por semana, por doze sessões e seguiu os seguintes parâmetros: radiação infravermelha com potência de 50mW, direcionada continuamente por 90 segundos aos pontos de acupuntura: ST6, SI19, GB20, GB43, LI4, LR3, TE3 e EX-HN3, definindo uma energia de 4,5J, uma densidade por ponto de 1250W/cm2 e uma densidade total de 112,5J/cm2. O desfecho principal incluiu a avaliação da evolução da sintomatologia física por meio da verificação mensal da intensidade da dor espontânea e da palpação muscular e articular, indicadas em uma escala visual analógica (EVA). Avaliou-se também a intensidade de sintomas de depressão e somatização por meio do RDC/DTM eixo II, aplicado antes e após a instituição terapêutica. Todas as avaliações foram conduzidas por um avaliador cego. Os resultados revelaram que a partir do primeiro mês das intervenções o grupo experimental exibiu valores de intensidade de dor expressivamente menores (p≤0,05) que o grupo controle, para todas as estruturas examinadas. Ao final das intervenções observou-se a remissão da sintomatologia dolorosa (EVA= 0) no grupo experimental e uma redução dos sintomas no grupo controle (EVA entre 2 e 4). Em relação aos aspectos psicossociais, os níveis de sintomas de somatização e depressão foram modificados com as intervenções 7 adotadas nos dois grupos, no entanto, o grupo experimental apresentou uma significativa diminuição frente ao grupo controle (p ≤ 0,05). A laser-acupuntura adjuvante à terapia oclusal reversível foi eficaz na remissão da sintomatologia física de desordem temporomandibular, além de atuar reduzindo os sintomas físicos inespecíficos e de depressão associados ao estresse e à dor crônica

Diagnóstico das disfunções da articulação temporomandibular: indicação dos exames por imagem

Introduction: Knowledge of the different imaging tests and their appropriate indications is crucial to establish the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders, especially in patients with overlapping signs and symptoms. Objective: To present and assess the main diagnostic imaging tests for temporomandibular disorders and rationally discuss their indication criteria, advantages, and disadvantages. Methods: Literature review in the Web of Knowledge, PubMed and SciELO databases, as well as manual search for relevant publications in reference lists of the selected articles. Results: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were considered the gold standard assessments for the temporomandibular joint to evaluate hard and soft tissues, respectively. Each diagnostic method exhibited distinct sensitivity and specificity for the different subtypes of joint dysfunction. Conclusion: Selecting an evaluation examination based on its accuracy, safety, and clinicalrelevance is a rational decision that can help lead to an accurate diagnosis and an optimumtreatment plan.ResumoIntrodução: O conhecimento dos distintos exames de imagem e sua correta indicação é funda-mental para elaboração do diagnóstico das disfunções temporomandibulares, principalmenteem pacientes com grande sobreposição de sinais e sintomas.Objetivo: Apresentar e avaliar os principais exames de diagnóstico por imagem das disfunçõestemporomandibulares, além de discutir racionalmente os seus critérios de indicação, vantagense desvantagens.Método: Revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Web of Knowledge, PubMed e SciELO, alémde busca manual por publicações relevantes nas listas de referências dos artigos selecionados.Resultado: Os exames de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética foram con-siderados ‘‘padrão-ouro’’ para a avaliação dos tecidos duros e moles, respectivamente, daarticulac¸ão temporomandibular. Cada método de diagnóstico pesquisado apresentou sensibili-dade e especificidade distintas para os diferentes subtipos de disfunc¸ão da articulação.Conclusão: Considera-se como racional a indicação fundamentada na acurácia, segurança erelevância clínica do exame a ser solicitado, o que implica na adequada determinação dodiagnóstico e do plano de tratamento

Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders: indication of imaging exams

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the different imaging tests and their appropriate indications is crucial to establish the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders, especially in patients with overlapping signs and symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To present and assess the main diagnostic imaging tests for temporomandibular disorders and rationally discuss their indication criteria, advantages, and disadvantages. METHODS: Literature review in the Web of Knowledge, PubMed and SciELO databases, as well as manual search for relevant publications in reference lists of the selected articles. RESULTS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were considered the gold standard assessments for the temporomandibular joint to evaluate hard and soft tissues, respectively. Each diagnostic method exhibited distinct sensitivity and specificity for the different subtypes of joint dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Selecting an evaluation examination based on its accuracy, safety, and clinical relevance is a rational decision that can help lead to an accurate diagnosis and an optimum treatment plan

Chronic myalgia centrally mediated

The clinical case report of a 50-year-old patient who presented to the Diagnostic and Guidance Service for Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders, at the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, with complaint of pain in the facial muscles in a continuous, throbbing manner that was paroxysmal at times, with severe intensity and of a chronic nature. After semiological interdisciplinary examination (dental, speech and physical therapy), the diagnosis suggestive of temporomandibular disorder was reached, characterized by centrally mediated chronic myalgia, associated with articular structures, parafunctional habits, malocclusion and emotional factors. Supportive dental treatment consisted of guidance throughout treatment and use of occlusal splints. After a three-and-a-half-month period of interdisciplinary therapy the patient was discharged with an 80% improvement in pain and increase in mouth opening amplitude. Episodes of pain were related only to moments of stress. The patient was instructed about the need for orthodontic treatment and psycho therapy

Ear Acupuncture Therapy for Masticatory Myofascial and Temporomandibular Pain: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Ear acupuncture works by reducing painful sensations with analgesic effect through microsystem therapy and has been demonstrated to be as effective as conventional therapies in the control of facial pain. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the adjuvant action of auricular acupuncture through an observation of the evolution of temporomandibular and masticatory myofascial symptoms in two groups defined by the therapies elected: auricular acupuncture associated with occlusal splint (study) and the use of the occlusal splint plate alone (control). We have selected 20 patients, who were randomly allocated into two groups of ten individuals. Symptoms were evaluated in five different moments, every seven days. We analyzed the orofacial muscle and joint palpation in order to measure the intensity of the experienced pain. Both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in muscle and joint symptoms (p<0.05). However, comparisons between the groups showed an expressive and significant reduction of symptomatology in the study group (p<0.05) already on the first week of therapy. According to the results, to the methodological criteria developed and statistical analysis applied, the conclusion is that auricular acupuncture therapy has synergistic action on conventional occlusal splint treatment. It was demonstrated to be effective in the reduction of symptoms in the short term

Effectiveness of Sequential Viscosupplementation in Temporomandibular Joint Internal Derangements and Symptomatology: A Case Series

Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive technique that replaces synovial fluid by intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA). Although effective in some joints, there is not conclusive evidence regarding temporomandibular disorders. This case series described the efficacy of a viscosupplementation protocol in intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. Ten patients with a diagnosis of disc displacement and/or osteoarthritis by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were submitted to four monthly injections of low or medium molecular weight HA. Pain, mandibular function, image analysis by tomography and magnetic resonance, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and follow-ups (1 and 6 months). Pain, jaw range-of-motion, mandibular function, and quality of life improved at follow-up evaluations. Osteoarthritis changes decreased, and 20% of patients improved mandibular head excursion after treatment. Resolution of effusion and improvement in disc morphology were observed for most patients. This viscosupplementation protocol reduced pain and symptoms associated with internal derangement of temporomandibular joint, improved quality of life, and showed benefits from both low and medium molecular weight HA in alternate cycles