Hallazgos clínico-radiológicos de la articulación temporomandibular en pacientes con artritis reumatoide

Aim of present paper is to describe and to assess the Clinicoradiological findings of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a group of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sample included 61 patients with a mean age of 54 years and 5 months. All of them were interrogated and clinically examined and then underwent to a radiographic examination of both TMJs, using the transcranial projection technique, with the closed mouth and in maximal opening. Study includes the TMJ syndrome founded such as pain, tumefaction, luxation, clicking, and a limited oral opening. The study of radiographic features showed the presence of changes in condyle surface and temporal fossa, in condylar motility, and articulation space. We conclude that in patients presenting with rheumatoid arthritis is frequent the presence of clinicoradiological findings in the TMJ, and that patient's age and gender and the activity level and the RA course time, are factors influencing in TMJs general status.

Efectos de los aparatos propulsores mandibulares fijos en la articulación temporomandibular

Fixed mandibular propulsion appliances are an alternative for the treatment of Class II malocclusion in individuals with mandibular deficiency. Since they are fixed appliances, said devices keep the mandible in an anterior-forced position during rest and during all mandibular functions. When a propulsive appliance is used, the lower jaw is displaced forward and downward. This movement leads to a new position of the condyle, which can, ultimately affect the normal functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this paper was to review effects of fixed mandibular propulsive appliance on TMJ. Inclusion criteria considered studies on animals or humans using TMJ radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Studies confirm a favorable relation between condyle and glenoid fossa following treatment with fixed mandibular propulsion appliances.

Pseudogota tofacea de articulación temporomandibular: reporte de un caso

La pseudogota tofacea es una enfermedad articular que generalmente aparece en rodillas, caracterizada por el depósito de cristales de pirofosfato de calcio en el cartílago articular o fibrocartílago. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 62 años con aumento de volumen a nivel de articulación temporomandibular derecha, de 2 años de evolución. En la tomografía axial computarizada se observó una gran masa de radioopacidad mixta que rodea la cabeza del cóndilo. Se realizó la exéresis total de la lesión. Con el estudio histopatológico y antecedentes clínicos se obtiene el diagnóstico de pseudogota tofacea. La paciente se encuentra 2 años después de la cirugía en buenas condiciones y sin signos de recidiva. La baja incidencia de esta enfermedad y su rara localización en la articulación temporomandibular pueden hacer difícil el diagnóstico, por lo que estudios específicos se requieren para dar un diagnóstico acertado.

Temporomandibular disorders in females: acupuncture compared to occlusal splint

To compare the effect of acupuncture and occlusal splint in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in female patients.Method: Forty-eight female patients (mean age of 39.3±6.8 years) with diagnosed pain in muscles or joint according to RDC/TMD criteria were attended at UNESP - Aracatuba Dental School. Including criteria were reported pain in the chewing muscles and/or in the temporomandibular joint measured by a visual analogue scale (range from 0 to 10) and a reported reduction of the maximum mouth opening. Excluding factors were major occlusal problems, systemic diseases, pregnancy and age below 18 years. After randomization, the first group was treated with acupuncture performed by instructed dentist. The second group was treated with occlusal splint. The outcome variables were assessed at baseline (prior to the first treatment session) and after 1, 3 and 6 months. Primary criteria of success were improvement of mouth opening and pain reduction.Result: Acupuncture group exhibited chewing pain decrease from 5 (at baseline) to 1, 2 and 1 after 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. In the splint group, chewing pain decreased from 4 to 2, 1 and 2 after 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. The mouth opening (in mm) increased from 28 (at baseline) to 42, 44 and 46 after 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively in the acupuncture group. In the splint group, mouth opening improved from 29 to 40 after 1 month, and to 43 and 42 after 3 and 6 months. A significant pain reduction was noted for both groups when compared to the baseline (p<.001; Wilcoxon test). Acupuncture group had a significant clinical improvement of opening mouth (Mann-Whitney). Conclusion: The present outcomes suggest a positive association among acupuncture and occlusal splint on the reduction of chewing pain. Acupuncture was more effective in the mouth opening increase.

A combined approach for the assessment of cell viability and cell functionality of human fibrochondrocytes for use in tissue engineering.

Temporo-mandibular joint disc disorders are highly prevalent in adult populations. Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a well-established method for the treatment of several chondral defects. However, very few studies have been carried out using human fibrous chondrocytes from the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). One of the main drawbacks associated to chondrocyte cell culture is the possibility that chondrocyte cells kept in culture tend to de-differentiate and to lose cell viability under in in-vitro conditions. In this work, we have isolated human temporo-mandibular joint fibrochondrocytes (TMJF) from human disc and we have used a highly-sensitive technique to determine cell viability, cell proliferation and gene expression of nine consecutive cell passages to determine the most appropriate cell passage for use in tissue engineering and future clinical use. Our results revealed that the most potentially viable and functional cell passages were P5-P6, in which an adequate equilibrium between cell viability and the capability to synthesize all major extracellular matrix components exists. The combined action of pro-apoptotic (TRAF5, PHLDA1) and anti-apoptotic genes (SON, HTT, FAIM2) may explain the differential cell viability levels that we found in this study. These results suggest that TMJF should be used at P5-P6 for cell therapy protocols.

Utilización de otros láseres en odontología: Argón, Nd:YAP y Ho:YAG

Las ventajas que la incorporación del láser ha proporcionado a la Odontología abarcan todos los ámbitos. Así, los láseres de Argón, de Nd:YAP y de Ho:YAG, tienen aplicaciones muy concretas y de gran interés tanto en el campo de la terapéutica dental como en la especialida de cirugía bucal. Las aplicaciones principales del láser de Argón se centran en la polimerización de los materiales de restauración, en la endodoncia y dentro del ámbito de la cirugía bucal, en el corte de tejidos blandos, principalmente para la exéresis de lesiones vasculares y pigmentadas. El láser de Nd:YAP se utiliza principalmente en el campo de la endodoncia y la periodoncia, y el láser de Ho:YAG se emplea en cirugía periapical y en la cirugía artroscópica de la articulación temporomandibular.

Influence of the lateral pterygoid muscle on the growth of the mandibular condilar cartilage

At the end of the last century, a model to explain clinical observations related to the mandibular growth was developed. According to it, the lateral pterigoid muscle (LPM) was one of the main modulators of the differentiation of mesenquimal cells inside the condyle to condroblasts or osteoblasts, and therefore of the growth of the mandibular condilar cartilage (CCM). The main components of the model were the humoral and the mechanical. Nowadays, the humoral would include growth factors such as IGF-I, FGF-2 and VEGF, which seem to be involved in mandibular growth. Since skeletal muscle can secrete these growth factors, there is a possibility that LPM modulates the growth of CCM by a paracrine or endocrine mechanism. The mechanical component derived from the observations that both the blood flow inside the temporomandibular joint (ATM) and the action of the retrodiscal pad on the growth of the CCM, depend, in part, on the contractile activity of the LPM. Despite the fact that there are some results suggesting  hat LPM is activated under conditions of mandibular protrusion, there is no full agreement on whether this can stimulate the growth of CCM. In this review, the contributions and limitations of the works related to mandibular growth are discussed and a model which integrates the available information to explain the role of the LPM in the growth of the CCM is proposed.

Tratamiento de la deformidad facial causada por la hiperplasia condilar: relato de caso

The condylar hyperplasia is an acquired development anomaly, rare, characterized by an excessive and progressive growing, affecting neck, condilar head, body and the mandible bough, provoking an important facial asymmetry. In the article we present a case of male patient, 22-years-old, reclaiming of painful sintomatology in the region of temporomandibular joint and severe facial asymmetry. It was instituted an orthodontic-surgical treatment by means of orthognathic combined surgery and high condilectomy. After six years of post-surgical controlling, the patient is now in a good shape, without recurrence of facial asymmetry and condylar hyperplasia.

Acupuncture as therapeutic resource in patient with bruxism

Bruxism is the harmful habit of clenching or grinding the teeth during the day and / or night, with unconscious pattern, with particular intensity and frequency, outside the functional movements of chewing and swallowing. It is accepted that bruxism is a response controlled by the neurotransmitters dopamine system associated with emotional component. The proposed of treatment of bruxism with acupuncture aims to stimulate sensory fibers of the peripheral nervous system leading to electrical transmission by neurons sufficient to produce changes in the central nervous system. As a consequence there is the release of substances (cortisol, endorphins, dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin) that promote wellness and restoration of harmony, be it psychological, biological and / or behavioral.

Abordagem terapêutica nas desordens temporo-mandibulares: técnicas de fisioterapia associadas ao tratamento odontológico

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are related to discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These diseases are multifactorial and treatment usually requires a combination of different approaches because each patient presents with different and usually complex needs. It is necessary to know how each expert should plan for a successful treatment.

Mordida cruzada posterior, correccion y consideraciones: caso clínico con 7 años de seguimiento

Early treatment of functional unilateral posterior crossbite during the mixed dentition is extremely important for contemporary Orthodontics, provides the correct positioning of osseous bases, teeth and temporomadibular joint when the stomatognathic system is in growth and development. These results generally develop into an adequate craniofacial relationship, reducing the necessity for more complex treatments at permanent dentition. The subject of this paper was to report patient 8 years old, diagnosed with functional unilateral posterior crossbite, and was treated by an expander appliance type Quad-helix emphasizing the long-term stability. The malocclusion was corrected in 3 months of active use of the appliance, 3 months for retention purposes and followed up during 7 years post-treatment. The stability in long term of functional unilateral posterior crossbite treated is closely related with early diagnostic, the elimination of the etiological factor associated with a correct appliance and the mechanic of treatment.

Anatomical, Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics of Styloid Syndrome (Eagle Syndrome): a Case Report

Styloid syndrome is characterized by an elongated styloid process or calcification of the stylomandibular and stylohyoid ligament. This study describes a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented to the Stomatology Clinic, University of Marilia with temporomandibular joint pain, ear ringing and a reduced ability to open the mouth. Panoramic and posteroanterior digital radiographs showed bilateral elongation of the styloid processes, especially of the right side, whose length extended beyond the mandible angle. The diagnosis was confirmed with the association of clinical data and image examinations. The treatment options for styloid Syndrome include clinical follow-up, surgical removal of the styloid process or fracture of the elongated process. The case was managed by providing prosthetic rehabilitation and clinical follow-up, observing the level of discomfort and the benefit that could be achieved by the therapy, and avoiding surgical intervention.

Temporomandibular Dysfunction Post-craniotomy: Evaluation Between Pre- And Post-operative Status.

To identify risk factors associated with post-operative temporomandibular joint dysfunction after craniotomy. The study sample included 24 patients, mean age of 37.3 ± 10 years; eligible for surgery for refractory epilepsy, evaluated according to RDC/TMD before and after surgery. The primary predictor was the time after the surgery. The primary outcome variable was maximal mouth opening. Other outcome variables were: disc displacement, bruxism, TMJ sound, TMJ pain, and pain associated to mandibular movements. Data analyses were performed using bivariate and multiple regression methods. The maximal mouth opening was significantly reduced after surgery in all patients (p = 0.03). In the multiple regression model, time of evaluation and pre-operative bruxism were significantly (p < .05) associated with an increased risk for TMD post-surgery. A significant correlation between surgery follow-up time and maximal opening mouth was found. Pre-operative bruxism was associated with increased risk for temporomandibular joint dysfunction after craniotomy.