The
control and experimental
groups have been examined
prior to initiation of the
experiment. In addition,
they have been examined
approximately sixty (60)
days after the initial clinical
examination.
The
dysfunction* and palpation**
indexes individually do
not show any improvement
as a result of the treatment.
But the craniomandibular
index alone shows a statistically
significant difference
concerning the "improvements",
this index is a combination
of the palpation and dysfunction
indexes. For the
craniomandibular index
the general trend is for
a positive "improvement"
for the treatment group
and virtually no improvement
for the control group.
 |
METHODS
AND MATERIAL:
This
pilot study has been conducted
in an attempt to evaluate
the effect of Facial-Flex®
in patients with TMD.
Seventeen
female subjects participated
in this pilot study.
The subjects were divided
into two groups: (a) the
Control Group and (b) the
experimental group (treatment
group). The control
group consisted of eight
(8) subjects and the experimental
group consisted of nine
(9) subjects. Subjects were
randomly assigned to either
group (a) or (b).
In
this pilot study the Friction
and Schiffman Craniomandibular
index was used to evaluate
the effects of the use
of Facial-Flex in relieving
the symptoms of TMD.
Future
investigations should include
a larger sample and imaging
of TMJ. Until additional
investigations have been
carried out, one cannot
recommend the use of Facial-Flex
for patients with TMD.
*
Dysfunction index is obtained
by clinical examination
of the 1) mandibular movement
2) TMJ noise and TMJ capsule
palpation
** Palpation index is obtained by clinical
examination of the 1)
extra-oral palpation 2)
intraoral palpation and
3) neck muscle palpation
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TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY
