THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OSTEOPATHIC CORRECTION IN THE COMPLEX REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION.

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) is a prevalent condition characterized by pain and clicking in the joint, restricted mouth opening, chewing difficulties, tension and soreness in the masticatory muscles, headaches, and tinnitus. In dental rehabilitation for TMJD, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used to relax the masticatory and temporalis muscles prior to splint therapy. Osteopathic correction, in contrast, addresses not only these muscles but also extraocclusive disorders-somatic dysfunctions outside the stomatognathic system that affect mandibular biomechanics and muscle tone. Despite the high prevalence and complex etiology of TMJD, the integration of osteopathic correction into dental rehabilitation remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive dental rehabilitation through the application of osteopathic correction in patients with TMJD.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted from January 2024 to March 2025, involving 90 patients aged 19 to 61 years with TMJD and extraocclusive disorders. All participants were examined by a dentist and an osteopath, then assigned to two groups: Group No. 1 received both dental and osteopathic treatment; Group No. 2 received dental treatment only. Dental care included splint therapy; osteopathic correction targeted extraocclusive disorders and somatic dysfunctions. Efficacy was assessed using the Hamburg test, electromyography (EMG), osteopathic examination, VAS scale, and pharmacotherapy if needed. All patients participated in myohymnastics. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica v4.6.3, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: After 8 weeks, Group No. 1 showed statistically significant (p<0.05) improvements compared to Group No. 2 in Hamburg test scores, EMG results, somatic dysfunction frequency and severity, and VAS scores for pain.

Conclusion: In TMJD patients with extraocclusive disorders, osteopathic correction should be incorporated into the interdisciplinary rehabilitation protocol combining dental and osteopathic care.