EFFICACY OF NEUROREFLEXOTHERAPY
(NRT) IN TMJ SYNDROME
Title.
Clinical trial on the efficacy of neuroreflexotherapy
(NRT) in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
Background.
TMJ syndrome is one of the most common ailments
in maxillofacial pathology and lacks satisfactory treatment.
Essentially, it consists of the appearance of pains and limitations
in the mouth opening due to the contraction of the masticatory
muscles, possibly associated with problems of the jaw joint
or temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Some of the mechanisms involved in the dysfunction are similar
to those existing in back disorders in which NRT has been
proven effective.
The results of a prior exploratory study suggest that this
kind of intervention is effective for the treatment of this
syndrome.
Objective.
To evaluate the efficacy of NRT in the treatment
of TMJ dysfunction.
Methodology.
This was a randomized, double-blind controlled
clinical trial, and its setting was the third level of attention
in the National Health System. The study's subjects were patients
in whom the diagnosis had been established on the basis of
their clinical history, physical examination and the results
of an orthopanthomograph and tomography of both TMJ.
In each one of the patients of both groups, two NRT interventions
were made with a 45-day interval between. The intervention
made in both groups differs only in the placement of the implanted
material. In the patients in the study group, the surgical
device was implanted on receptors and nerve fibers that are
predictably capable of releasing useful effects in the treatment
of TMJ dysfunction. In the patients in the control group,
the material implanted in the skin was situated 5 cm. from
the indicated areas.
The patients were assessed five times: immediately before
and after the NRT and 45 days after the last. Essentially,
the evolution of their spontaneous and provoked pain was evaluated-measured
by the visual analog scale--, as well as the mouth opening,
administration of medications and the use of ferules for the
temporomandibular joint.
Participants, along with the Science Department
of the Kovacs Foundation.
Department of maxillo-facial surgery of the
Hospital Clínico of Madrid.
Funded entirely by the Kovacs Foundation.
Status.
In progress. The collection of data has been
completed and their statistical analysis has begun.
|
Home
