Position of the Hyoid Bone and Dimension of Nasopharynx and Oropharynx after Occlusal Splint Therapy and Physiotherapy in Patients Diagnosed with Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the position of the hyoid bone, as well as the width of the nasopharynx and oropharynx after occlusal splint therapy combined with physiotherapy in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: This was a clinical trial study. The study group consisted of 40 patients diagnosed with TMD, who were qualified for the treatment combining physiotherapy and occlusal splint therapy. Hyoid bone position as well as the width of the nasopharynx and oropharynx were assessed in lateral cephalograms taken before and after the end of the treatment. There were 15 generally healthy participants included into the control group, who had taken lateral cephalograms twice within the period of 1 to 2 years and did not receive any occlusal treatment in the meantime. Results: The position of the hyoid bone was significantly lowered and the dimension of the lower part of the oropharynx was significantly decreased after the end of the long-term occlusal splint therapy combined with physiotherapy in patients diagnosed with TMD. Conclusions: Long-term occlusal splint therapy combined with physiotherapy affected the position of the hyoid bone and the dimension of the lower part of the oropharynx.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Functional and Conservative Treatment

“…The study by Di Giacomo et al [25] revealed that dynamic splint therapy was more effective than stabilization splint therapy in increasing maximum jaw opening, reducing pain, and improving functional movements in patients with acute anterior disc displacement without reduction; this is likely due to its greater orthopedic action and joint mobilization. Derwich and Pawlowska [26] found that long-term occlusal splint therapy combined with physiotherapy significantly lowered the position of the hyoid bone and decreased the dimension of the lower part of the oropharynx in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders. In their study, Sikora et al [27] demonstrated that repeated intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cavities effectively reduced joint pain and increased mandibular mobility in patients with TMJ disorders, suggesting that PRP injections are a viable, minimally invasive treatment option for such conditions.…”