Conservative Therapies for TMJ Closed Lock: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Acute anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) is characterized by permanent TMJ disc displacement, pain and functional limitations. Occlusal appliances (OA) are among the therapies of choice. Methods. A single-blind randomized study was carried out to compare the therapeutic success of two different types of splints in patients with ADDWoR. A total of 30 subjects were eligible for the study out of the 330 screened. Group I (n = 15) received RA.DI.CA splint therapy and Group II (n = 15) received stabilization splint therapy. Temporomandibular pain, headache, neck pain and functional excursions were evaluated at baseline (T0), after 4 weeks (T1) and after 6 months (T2). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Results. There was a significant increase in maximum jaw opening and a reduction in pain in both groups (p < 0.05), except for neck pain in Group II. Significant differences in between- and within-subject factors emerged in all of the parameters evaluated, especially between T1 and T2 scores, with a greater trend of improvement in Group I than Group II. Conclusion. RA.DI.CA splints were found to be more effective for the considered sample, especially in the treatment of comorbidities and functional movements, probably due to the greater orthopedic action and joint mobilization.