Evaluation of Temporomandibular Disk Position in Symptomatic Temporomandibular Disorder Patients with Gnathological Splint Therapy Using MRI

Objective: The aim of this study was to Evaluation of altered temporomandibular disc position in symptomatic TMD patients with pre and post gnathological splint therapy.

Materials and Method: This study included ten patients with a mean age of 21.5 years with maxillary transverse deficiency treated with the skeletal expander. The study consisted of 15 patients with a mean age of 25 years with clinically symptomatic and orthodontically untreated TMD patients with splint therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t‑test.

Results: The mean AS, SS, and PS values for right TMJ that was 0.2mm (SD ±0.6mm), 0.5mm(SD± 0.3mm), 0.4mm(SD±0.1mm), respectively and the mean difference between AS, SS, and PS values for left TMJ was 0.2mm (SD±0.1mm), 0.5mm (SD± 0.05mm), and 0.2mm (SD± 0.2mm). The ratio of AS to SS to PS was 0.2to 0.5to 0.4, No significant sex difference was noted in joint space distances. The results showed less variability of condylar position in the fossa than in normal subjects.

Conclusion: Gnathological splints can be used as effectiveness mean for treatment of such patients. This can be easy made good comfort to the patients.