[A trial of mini-splint therapy for internal derangement of TMJ--application for cases without reduction by manipulation technique].

The mini-splint was applied to 21 patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) who had failed in treatment by the manipulation technique. This appliance was constructed of two splints, which were built on the bilateral upper first bicuspids (teeth number 14 & 24, FDI) by methyl-meta-acrylate. As a result, the mean of the maximum interincisal distance was improved from 25.0 mm before to 41.0 mm after splint therapy. Among 21 patients, 18 patients were improved in interincisal opening, 12 patients were free from TMJ pain, and 3 patients were relieved from joint noise. Our studies indicate that this technique is useful as one of the treatment methods of TMJ internal derangement.