TMJ Study and Investigation Page. Three years of publication.

Dear friends,

At December 2014 I started the project TMJ Study and Investigation Page. At first, all its content was offered in three languages: Portuguese, English and Spanish. Due to the analysis of the webpage access statistics, at March 2015 I decided to offer the content solely in Portuguese and English.

Anyway, access to the contents of the page is still available to other researchers, professionals in the field and to those interested in the research that I develop.

Nowadays, the medicine based on evidence is hierarchically stratified from top to bottom, where in the base of the pyramid we find the clinic cases, which are rarely seen as evidence.

The TMJ Study and Investigation Page had in its conception, the purpose of posting the clinic cases, which were carefully published with the documentation related to each of the patients treated at Clinica MY with pain complaints, dysfunction and TMJ pathology.

The proposition was of presenting these clinic cases and concepts in order share them, offering free access to the content along images, surface electromyographies, computerized kinesiography, scanned before and after the therapeutic process. Cases of tridimentional orthodontics and neuromuscular phisiologic reabilitation of the second phase of treatment, after the TMJ treatment, were also included.

The TMJ Study and Investigation Page completed in the month of December, three years of life.

I remembered to celebrate on the first anniversary of the Page.

In the middle of the work with patients, teaching and publications I did not remember to celebrate the second year.

I want to celebrate these three years with you.

With this project, we have a place in the Internet that presents a line of work known as neuromuscular physiologic dentistry, which takes into account the whole body system. It is an area which acts on posture, mandibular functioning and considers the entire body system.

In order to do that, the neuromuscular physiologic dentistry aims to establish, in the patient, a position that is based on a harmonious relation between the muscles, the teeth, and the temporomandibular joints.

In the publication of this year’s end I have chosen the most significant images of all these years of publications, with direct links to each of the original publications.

At the end of this publication I placed the links of the publications of the first year of this page.

The TMJ Study and Investigation Page  has grown tremendously and continues to receive visitors from all over the world.

Thank you!

Lidia Yavich

Temporomandibular Joint Pathology in a Patient with Congenital Fusion of two Cervical Vertebrae. First and Second Phase. Case Report.

Postural Improvement in a Patient after Neuromuscular Physiological Mandible Repositioning Treatment. Patient with Scoliosis Surgery and Craniomandibular Symptomatology.

TMJ Pathologies Treatment: Patient with Severe Headaches and Temporomandibular Joint Pain with Significant Contour Irregularities in the Mandibular Condyle and Mouth Opening Limitation.

Reestablishment of the Bone Marrow Signal in a case of Avascular Necrosis of the Mandibular Head. Monitoring two years after treatment.

Neuromuscular Physiological Treatment in a Patient with Headache and Pain in the Temporomandibular Joints. Case report without possibility of Disc Recapture: first and second phase.

Child with Otalgia (earache) and Conductive Hearing Loss: when measuring makes the difference. Normalization of hearing thresholds. First and second phase. Case report.

TMJ Pathologies Treatment: Patient with Pain in the Back of the Head, Bilateral Tinnitus and Constant Teeth and Prosthesis Fracture. First and second phase. Case Report.

TMJ Pathologies Treatment: Patient with headache for 30 years. Neuromuscular Physiological Rehabilitation. First and second phase. Case Report.

TMJ Pathology in Professional Musicians: A look beyond the risk factors. Physiological Neuromuscular Rehabilitation. First and second phase. Case Report.

TMJ Study and Investigation Page. One year of publication

The TMJ Study and Investigation Page  has grown tremendously and continues to receive visitors from all over the world.

Thank you!

Lidia Yavich

TMJ Pathology in Professional Musicians: A look beyond the risk factors. Physiological Neuromuscular Rehabilitation. First and second phase. Case Report.

Several articles and studies cite the prevalence of TMJ dysfunction in violinists and violists, especially by prolonged flexion of the head and shoulder, posture necessary to keep the violin in position. Studies also report that the incidence of TMJ dysfunction in musicians is similar to the general population.

Professional musicians require many hours of training and improvement that involve complicated movements, fast and repetitive actions with over use of the hands, fingers, arms and head.

Most articles report anxiety about professional performance and increased muscle tension, but few do a particular study of the state of the anatomical structures of the cases studied.

A 45-year-old female patient referred by her physiotherapist consults with complaints of headache, pain in the cervical and scapular region, muscular contractures in the mandible.

The patient also reports mandibular displacement when playing the violin and pain in both temporomandibular joints.

The patient also reports clicks in both temporomandibular joints and occasionally the sensation of clogged ears.

Frequent pain in the spine and both shoulders.

At that time the patient had already consulted physiotherapists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists and psychologists.

Marking chart of pain points.

Image of the patient’s habitual occlusion on the day of the appointment.

Upper and lower occlusal views of the patient on the day of the consultation.

Initial panoramic radiograph of the patient before treatment.

Teeth 18, 28 included.

Wear on the incisal and occlusal faces of the teeth present.

Prosthetic device 25 to 27 (26 pontic)

Horizontal resorption of alveolar ridges.

Patient’s TMJ initial laminography before treatment

In the maximum opening position, observe the anterior angulation of the articular processes. Structural modification of the mandibular condylar process as one of the sequels of traumatism in infancy.

The patient reports a trauma in early childhood, a knock on the head while playing on a slide.

Lateral radiograph and patient profile before treatment. Patient in habitual occlusion.

Frontal radiography of the patient in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Lateral and cervical radiograph of the patient in habitual occlusion before treatment.

At this time, the patient performed a CT scan of the cervical spine

In the report there is rectification of cervical lordosis.

Degenerative discopathy in C5-C6, observing reduction of the height of the disc space and osteophytic proliferations reactional. At this level the disc-osteophyte bar is identified that touches and distorts the ventral face of the dural sac.

There is no stenosis of the central vertebral canal.

Neural foramina with amplitude within the limits of normality.

Mild signs of uncovertebral arthrosis C5 and C6.

Relationship C1-C2 maintained.

Symmetric paravertebral regions.

Dynamic electromyographic record in patient’s habitual occlusion before treatment. Note the minimal activation of the right and left masseter muscles in maximal intercuspation and the high activation of the right and left temporal muscles.

The masseter muscles are the most powerful muscles of the stomatognathic system, the temporal muscles even being elevating muscles have to have an equal and preferably smaller activation than the masseter muscles.

Initial cineciographic record of the patient.

Three-dimensional view of the mandibular displacement.

The record shows mandible opening, closing and speed when the patient makes these movements. The patient shows a 47 mm opening and a right deflection of 3.9 mm

Note a significant  loss of velocity in the middle of the mandibular closure.

MRI: sagittal slice of the left TMJ, closed mouth, anteversion of the mandibular condyle can be observed.

MRI: Another sagittal slice of the left TMJ in the closed mouth, the anteversion of the mandibular condyle can be observed.

Important area of retrodiscal compression at the level of mandibular condyle deflection. Primary objective has to be the three-dimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle.

MRI: Another sagittal slice of the left TMJ in the closed mouth, the anteversion of the mandibular condyle can be observed.

Important area of retrodiscal compression at the level of mandibular condyle deflection. Primary objective has to be the three-dimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle.

MRI: internal sagittal slice of the left TMJ, closed mouth.

MRI: internal sagittal slice of the right TMJ, closed mouth.

MRI: another sagittal slice of the right TMJ, closed mouth, the anteversion of the mandibular condyle can be observed.

The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (open mouth images not included in the post)

Important area of retrodiscal compression at the level of mandibular condyle deflection. Primary objective has to be the three-dimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle.

MRI: another sagittal slice of the right TMJ, closed mouth, the anteversion of the mandibular condyle can be observed.

The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (open mouth images not included in the post)

Important area of retrodiscal compression at the level of mandibular condyle deflection. Primary objective has to be the three-dimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle.

MRI: another sagittal slice of the right TMJ, closed mouth, the anteversion of the mandibular condyle can be observed.

The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (open mouth images not included in the post)

Note the posterior compression in this section.

Primary objective has to be the three-dimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle.

MRI: frontal slice of right and left temporomandibular joints, closed mouth in habitual occlusion before treatment.

The frontal slice of the right temporomandibular joint shows a loss of joint space, especially in the region of the external lateral pole of the joint. Both frontal images show a decrease in joint space.

Slight medial disc deviation.

To correctly evaluate the maxillomandibular relationship we should begin to consider the physiological rest mandible position.

Physiological rest is a concept applicable to all the muscles of the body.

The stomatognathic musculature is no exception.

The patient’s masticatory muscles were deprogrammed electronically and a new physiological neuromuscular position at rest was recorded.

The patient has a pathological free space of 5.8 mm, already discounting the two physiological mm of a healthy free space.

The patient also presented a 2.1 mm mandibular retroposition

With these data we constructed a DIO (intraoral device), to maintain the three-dimensional recorded position. This device must be electromyographically tested to objectively measure the patient.

It is logical that the report of the patient’s symptomatology is important, but the surface electromyography shows in an objective way if the muscular function improved, worsened or did not modify.

Electromyographic record with DIO (intraoral device) in physiological neuromuscular position.

Note the higher recruitment of motor units in the masseter muscles that previously showed very little activity.

Cineciographic record for the DIO (intraoral device) control in physiological neuromuscular position as the device is changed or recalibrated.

In the first phase the intraoral devices are recalibrated and / or changed according to each specific case as the jaw, muscles and TMJ improve.

Each case IS UNIQUE. There are cases where the TMJ structures are so damaged that the objectives outlined will have limitations dictated by the initial diagnosis.

These limitations refer not only to the structures of the temporomandibular joint, but also to the patient’s systemic condition.

Another cineciographical record to control the Dio in a physiological neuromuscular position as the device is changed or recalibrated.

Comparison of left and right temporomandibular joint laminography, closed and open mouth: in habitual occlusion before treatment and with the DIO (intraoral device), in a physiological neuromuscular position.

Comparison of lateral radiographs and cervical spine of the patient: in habitual occlusion before treatment and with the DIO (intraoral device), in a physiological neuromuscular position.

With the jaw in a physiological neuromuscular position the physiotherapist colleague worked the rest of the muscle chains, using global manual techniques, always taking into account the individuality of the patient. This work in a patient with degenerative discopathies should be maintained

Comparison of lateral radiographs of the patient: in habitual occlusion before the treatment and with the DIO (intraoral device), in a physiological neuromuscular position.

Improvement of the profile and recovery of the vertical dimension.

Comparative frontal radiographs of the patient: at the beginning of treatment in habitual occlusion, during treatment with DIO (intraoral device) in physiological neuromuscular occlusion.

Panoramic radiograph of the patient with the DIO constructed in a physiological neuromuscular position.

MRI: comparative sagittal slices of the left TMJ, closed mouth, before and after the physiological neuromuscular treatment.

Three-dimensional joint decompression is noted. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: comparative sagittal slices of the left TMJ, closed mouth, before and after the physiological neuromuscular treatment.

Three-dimensional joint decompression is noted. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: comparative sagittal slices of the left TMJ, closed mouth, before and after the physiological neuromuscular treatment.

Three-dimensional joint decompression is noted. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: comparative sagittal slices of the left TMJ, closed mouth, before and after the physiological neuromuscular treatment.

Three-dimensional joint decompression is noted. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: comparative sagittal slices of the right TMJ, closed mouth, before and after the physiological neuromuscular treatment. In this section we can see the improvement in the discal condylar relationship obtained.

Three-dimensional joint decompression is noted. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: comparative sagittal slices of the right TMJ, closed mouth, before and after the physiological neuromuscular treatment. In this section we can see the improvement in the discal condylar relationship obtained.

Three-dimensional joint decompression is noted. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: comparative sagittal slices of the right TMJ, closed mouth, before and after the physiological neuromuscular treatment. In this section we can see the improvement in the discal condylar relationship obtained.

Three-dimensional joint decompression is noted. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: Comparison of the frontal slice of the LEFT TMJ, closed mouth, before the physiological neuromuscular treatment, and of the same LEFT TMJ after the FIRST PHASE.

Note the decompression of the temporomandibular joint, especially in the lateral pole.

MRI: Comparison of the frontal slice of the RIGHT TMJ, closed mouth, before the physiological neuromuscular treatment, and of the same RIGHT TMJ after the FIRST PHASE.

Note the decompression of the temporomandibular joint, especially in the lateral pole.

The patient did not report any more symptomatology related to the TMJ. Bioinstrumentation also objectively showed an improvement in neuromuscular function.

It was decided to start the SECOND PHASE of the treatment to remove the DIO (intraoral device), maintaining the physiological neuromuscular occlusion.

For this we used a three-dimensional orthodontic, where the teeth are erupted to the new neurophysiological position.

In the second phase, in this case the three-dimensional orthodontics the patient is monitored and deprogrammed electronically, and often the device is recalibrated, to maintain the position obtained in the first phase.

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Patient’s panoramic radiograph after the installation of the implant and the removal of the retained upper third molars.

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case). Photograph of orthodontic wire before cutting from the right side for didactic purposes.

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case). Photograph of orthodontic wire before cutting from the right side for didactic purposes.

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Removal of the DIO (intraoral device)

Part of the sequence of the second phase (in this specific clinical case).

Finalization of the second phase.

Patient’s upper and lower occlusal view after the finalization of the second phase.

Patient’s comparative panoramic radiographs before and after the end of the second phase of the treatment using a three-dimensional orthodontics.

Patient’s comparative superior and inferior occlusal view, before and after, the end of the second phase of the treatment by a three-dimensional orthodontic.

Comparative occlusion of the patient before and after the end of the second phase of the treatment using a three-dimensional orthodontics.

Kinesiographic control record after the completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics in a physiological neuromuscular position.

Coincident neuromuscular trajectories.

Laminography of the patient in physiological neuromuscular occlusion after the finalization of the second phase of the treatment.

Comparative laminography of the patient: before the treatment, during the first phase of the treatment and after the finalization by the three-dimensional orthodontics.

Patient’s comparative frontal radiographs: before the treatment, during the first phase of the treatment and after the finalization by the three-dimensional orthodontics.

Patient’s comparative lateral radiograph and profile: before the treatment, during the first phase of the treatment and after the finalization by the three-dimensional orthodontics.

Patient testimony:

What made me look for the treatment were recurrent headaches, frequent

(weekly) and intense, which lasted, on average, 2 days, affecting my productivity

at work as well as leisure hours.

The pain did not subside with common analgesics, requiring strong medication, which, in turn, only softened the pain a little.

Today, after the treatment, I can say that only very rarely do I suffer from these pains, greatly improving the quality of life, besides the posture.

TMJ Pathologies Treatment: Patient with headache for 30 years. Neuromuscular Physiological Rehabilitation. First and second phase. Case Report.

A 54- year old female patient arrives to the clinic for consultation, referred by her rheumatologist with complaints of daily headache since her 23 years of age. The patient associates the beginning of the headache with the installation of a definitive crown on the right upper central incisor. When she was 12 years old the suffered a traumatism that provoked the fracture of the tooth. The patient also reports bruxism.

The patient reports that in consultation with a neurologist, a nuclear magnetic resonance of the skull was requested, in which a change in white matter was detected.

At the same time the patient consults with a cardiologist. A FOP (Patent Oval Form) is detected, with no need for a surgical approach.

After years and years of consultations and treatments for daily headaches, the patient also has a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

The patient makes use of marevan, 5mg daily as indicated by the Cardiologist.

Sandomigran 1 time per day per Neurologist indication.

Nexium 40 mg once daily indication of Gastroenterologist.

Marevan works in the prevention of venous thromboembolism, systemic embolism in patients with prosthetic heart valves or atrial fibrillation, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and recurrence of myocardial infarction. Oral anticoagulants are also indicated in the prevention of systemic embolism in patients with cardiac valve disease.

Sandomigran, pizotifen is an antaminic characterized by its polyvalent inhibitory effect on biogenic amines, such as serotonin, histamine and tryptamine. It is suitable for the prophylactic treatment of migraine, reducing the frequency of seizures. Pizotifen also has appetite-stimulating properties and is mildly antidepressant.

Nexium: Expected action of medication, disappearance of symptoms of heartburn, epigastric pain and acid regurgitation. Healing of peptic ulcers.

Habitual occlusion of the patient on the day of the consultation. Note the persistence of a lower deciduous tooth on the left side.

Upper and lower occlusal views of the patient on the day of the consultation. Note the persistence of a lower deciduous tooth on the left side.

Presence of bilateral torus mandibularis.

The lower incisors show signs of wear.

Absence of dental elements 18, 28, 38 and 48. Maintenance of element  75  in the dental arch. The element 11 is endodontically treated. Presence of fixed prosthesis with intracanal pin in element 11.

The laminography of the temporomandibular joints shows a modification of the growth axis of both mandibular condyles caused by a trauma in the early childhood, (greenstick fracture).

Lateral radiograph of the patient in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Frontal radiography of the patient in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Lateral and cervical radiograph of the patient in habitual occlusion prior to treatment. Note the loss of space between the cervical vertebrae, especially between C5 and C6, where osteophytes are also observed.

MRI: Sagittal slice of the left TMJ in the closed mouth, we can observe the anteversion of the mandibular condyle. Facet on the superior surface and posterior flattening of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (Open mouth images not included in the post).

Notice the posterior compression in this slice.

In the magnetic resonance image of the temporomandibular joints it is fundamental to read the structure of the disc  besides the position of the disc.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

MRI: another sagittal slice of the left TMJ in the closed mouth, we can observe the anteversion of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (Open mouth images not included in the post).

In the magnetic resonance image of the temporomandibular joints it is fundamental to read the structure of the disc  besides the position of the disc.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

MRI: Sagittal slice of the right TMJ in the closed mouth, we can observe the anteversion of the mandibular condyle. Facet on the superior surface and posterior flattening of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (Open mouth images not included in the post).

In the magnetic resonance image of the temporomandibular joints it is fundamental to read the structure of the disc  besides the position of the disc.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

MRI: another sagittal slice of the right TMJ in the closed mouth, we can observe the anteversion of the mandibular condyle. Posterior flattening of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, with reduction in open-mouth maneuvers. (Open mouth images not included in the post).

Notice the posterior compression in this slice.

In the magnetic resonance image of the temporomandibular joints it is fundamental to read the structure of the disc  besides the position of the disc.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

MRI: another sagittal  slice of the left TMJ in the closed mouth.

Notice the posterior compression in this slice.

An articular disk as in this specific case, thin, without a real structure capable of maintaining a good function, the primary objective has to be the tridimensional decompression of the mandibular condyle. This particular articular disc has no structure to fulfill the function for which it is intended.

The patient’s masticatory muscles were electronically deprogrammed and the mandible rest position was recorded with a computerized kinesiograph.

An intraoral device (DIO) was made to for three- dimensional mandible repositioning.

The patient presented a pathological free interocclusal space of 4,4 mm, a mandibular retroposition of 1, 6 mm, also a right deviation of 1 mm.

The PHYSIOLOGICAL NEUROMUSCULAR position was recorded in the form of an occlusal bite record, which was later used to make a DIO (intraoral device)

Control of the intraoral device registration (DIO). These controls are frequently performed during the first phase of the treatment, also monitored by surface electromyography. On average this first phase lasts one year. Modifying and improving PHYSIOLOGICAL NEUROMUSCULAR POSITION.

MRI: comparative sagittal sections of the left TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: another comparative sagittal sections of the left TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: comparative sagittal sections of the right TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: another comparative sagittal sections of the right TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

MRI: another comparative sagittal sections of the right TMJ closed before and after the Neuromuscular Physiological treatment.
Notice the three-dimensional joint decompression. Primordial objective in this specific case.

After the completion of the first phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies and the patient WITHOUT HEADACHE, we began the second phase of TMJ pathology treatment.

In this specific case: three-dimensional orthodontics together with the rehabilitation of the necessary dental pieces and aesthetic improvement of the patient’s anterior teeth.

At this point I had to make a decision regarding the permanence of the deciduous tooth, firm and without mobility.

I did not think I should extract it for the placement of the implant, but to maintain it.

I clarified to the patient that during orthodontics we could lose it. I understood that this would have a compromise in the patient’s occlusion, but this fact did not concerned me, with the TMJ being decompressed and the patient functioning well, both electromyographically and in the computerized kinesiograph tests.

The second phase with three-dimensional orthodontics is started in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

The second phase with three-dimensional orthodontics is started in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

The second phase with three-dimensional orthodontics is started in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

The second phase with three-dimensional orthodontics is started in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

Direct composite resin reconstruction of  the 75 and 37 elements maintaining patient’s  Neuromuscular Physiological position.

Sequence of three-dimensional orthodontics in the second phase of TMJ pathologies treatment in this specific patient. Direct composite resin reconstruction of  the 75 and 37 elements maintaining patient’s  Neuromuscular Physiological position.

Sequence of three-dimensional orthodontics in the second phase of TMJ pathologies treatment in this specific patient. Preparation for the reconstruction of elements 33, 32, 31, 41, 42 and 43 maintaining the patient’s Neuromuscular Physiological position.

Direct composite resin reconstruction of  33,32,31,41,42 and 43 elements maintaining the patient’s Neuromuscular Physiological position, with three-dimensional orthodontics.

After the resolution of the strong headache (reason why the patient consulted the clinic) and the finalization of the tridimensional orthodontics, it was decided to make laminated facets from canine to canine for aesthetic reasons.

Completion of the First and Second Phases in the treatment of TMJ Pathologies. Physiological Neuromuscular Rehabilitation.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph after the end of the treatment in the Neuromuscular Physiological Dentistry.

Patient’s temporomandibular joints laminography  in physiological neuromuscular occlusion after treatment completion.

Patient’s frontal radiograph  in physiological neuromuscular occlusion after treatment completion.

Patient’s comparative lateral radiographs  before and after treatment. The first  in habitual occlusion and the second in physiological neuromuscular occlusion.

At age 11, I had a fall and broke the upper incisor tooth. At the time, I sought a dentist and he said that I should wait for the adult stage to make the porcelain definitive crown.

In 1986, when I was 23, I went to another dentist to make the crown. After the root canal treatment, the crown was placed.

In that moment I felt that there was an elevation that touched the lower tooth. The next day I woke up with an endless headache. Day by day the pain intensified.

I returned to the dentist and reported the fact, he said that in time it would settle. For 25 years I investigated the reason for my headache with several doctors.

In 2006 a rheumatologist asked me for an MRI of the skull, changes were identified in the gray matter. During this period, I was admitted to HMV for an investigation, and the diagnosis was SAF, topiramate 50 mg was introduced as a preventive of migraine and anticoagulant.These drugs were used from 2006 to 2011.

In 2007, I underwent systemic chemotherapy with METOTREXATE for 1 year. In 2011 another pain site showed up, this time in the hip, so I underwent corticoid in the vein for 6 months.

I decided to abandon the treatment, because it was no use. I looked for a respected neurologist who switched all my medication for an anti-allergy for headache prevention and an antiplatelet.

The diagnosis was leukoencephalopathy in a small degree. I also gave up treatment, because it did not work, either.

This neurologist referred me to another rheumatologist who examined me and identified a problem in my TMJ and a bursitis in the hip.

The same rheumatologist sent me to Dr. Lidia Yavich and to an orthopedist. In a short time I did not feel the same headache when I woke up. After all this, I continue to do MRI, and the changes have stabilized.

 

I sought an opinion from a second neurologist, and he thinks that all the changes I have are due to the intensity of the headache that I felt daily.

He did not agree with any diagnosis made so far.

I also believe that, because after the treatment with Dr. Lidia, I regained my quality of life.

The medication I use today: antiplatelet due to the existing changes and because I have a patent foramen ovale.

I thanks also to Dr. Luis Daniel for the conjunct treatment restoring function and aesthetics.

 

TMJ Pathologies Treatment: Patient with Pain in the Back of the Head, Bilateral Tinnitus and Constant Teeth and Prosthesis Fracture. First and second phase. Case Report.

A 57-year-old male patient presented at the clinic, referred by a colleague with complaints of: back of the head pain mainly on the right side, ringing in both ears and perception of strange sounds.

The patient complains of daytime and nighttime clenching.

Refers to dental losses very early, and installation of prostheses that are subsequently fractured, as well as dental fillings fracture.

Habitual occlusion of the patient on the day of the appointment, the patient had made a removable prosthesis, but felt neither stability nor comfort with it.

Upper and lower occlusal views of the patient without the lower removable prosthesis before treatment

Patient’s initial panoramic radiograph before treatment

Radiographic examination shows absence of dental elements 17, 15, 14, 24, 27, 28, 38, 37 and 36.

Alveolar bone loss in the maxilla and mandible. Impairment of the bone support of element 18. Impairment of the furcation region of element 46.

Alveolar extension of the maxillary sinus in the region of premolars and molars

Endodontically treated 13 and 12 elements.

The laminography of the temporomandibular joints shows superior and posterior positioning of the right articular process in the articular cavity and inferior and anterior positioning of the left articular process in the articular cavity when the mandible is in the position of maximum intercuspation.

In the maximum opening position, observe anterior angulation of the articular processes. Significant flattening of the posterior and superior surfaces of the right joint process.

Lateral radiography in conjunction with the patient profile image before treatment.

Frontal radiography in conjunction with the patient profile image before treatment.

Lateral and cervical spine radiographs together with the lateral image of the patient before treatment.

Patient’s comparative electromyographic records at rest,  before and after the electronic deprogramming with the TENS.

Note the relaxation of the muscles especially of the right masseter which after relaxation showed symmetrical values with the left masseter.

Patient’s dynamic electromyographic record in habitual occlusion before treatment. Note the activation of trapezius and digastric muscles at the moment of maximum occlusion.

One slice of the patient’s MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): we can observe anterior angulation of the articular processes, flattening of the superior and posterior surface of the articular process of the right side and the posterior surface of the left side. Information we had on laminography.

The articular discs are displaced anteriorly and are also very thin which imply a disc that structurally may not always fulfill the function for which a disc is drawn. However it is imperative in this case even if a recapture of the discs is not achieved, to promote joint decompression.

The patient’s masticatory muscles were electronically deprogrammed and the mandible rest position was recorded with a jaw tracker.

A device for the three-dimensional repositioning of the mandible was constructed.

The patient presented a very large pathological interocclusal free space 13 mm, and a mandible retro position of two mm.

A healthy free interocclusal space of two mm was left in the DIO construction.

The records change as the system improves, and the devices are changed and recalibrated.

The three-dimensional mandibular rest position was recorded as an occlusal bite record, which was later used to make a DIO (intraoral device).

Patient’s comparative laminographies:  the superior in habitual occlusion before the treatment and the lower in the neurophysiological position wearing the DIO (intraoral device).

Patient comparative images: before the treatment and during treatment with the  DIO (intraoral device)

Lateral radiographs of the patient: in habitualocclusion and with the use of the DIO (intraoral device)

Patient’s comparative frontal images before and during the treatment with the DIO (intraoral device)

Patient’s comparative frontalradiographs:  before and during the treatment with the DIO (intraoral device)

Patient’s comparative postural images: before and during the treatment with the DIO (intraoral device)

Patient’s comparative frontal postural images smiling: before and during the treatment with the DIO (intraoral device)

Wearing  the orthotic, the first phase of implant placement begins.

Panoramic radiograph of the patient in neurophysiological occlusion with the DIO (intraoral device), after the installation of the first implants.

For the superior implants it was necessary to perform bone graft, 120 days after the bone graft the superior implants were placed.

Panoramic radiograph of the patient in neurophysiological occlusion with the DIO (intraoral device), after the installation of the remaining implants.

Intraoral device constructed in neurophysiological position with the implants installed.

Controlling the record of the intraoral device, the records change as the system improves, and the devices are changed and recalibrated.

The second phase with the three-dimensional orthodontics is started. Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontics in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontics in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontics in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontics in the second phase of the treatment of TMJ pathologies in this specific patient.

Alignment and recovery of the lower sector with resins.

 The patient is tested with bioinstrumentation maintaining an aesthetic and functional result within the specific case.

Control of the neuromuscular trajectory in the rehabilitated patient.

Dynamic electromyographic record after completion of the patient’s second phase  treatment. Orthodontics and rehabilitation.

Completion of the TMJ pathology treatment, orthodontic and rehabilitative (in this specific clinical case).Neurophysiological rehabilitation was performed by Dr. João Sousa.

Subsequent rehabilitation was done keeping the vertical dimension with the device, but having to yield a little at the ideal height due to the patient’s bone conditions, rehabilitation possibilities and orthodontic limitations. The rehabilitation was done with metal ceramic crowns, and in the upper implants zirconia crowns in elements 14 and 15.

Patient’s upper and lower occlusal view after completion of the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph after completion of the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s laminography in neurophysiological occlusion after completion of the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s lateral radiograph after completion of the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s frontal radiograph after completion of the neurophysiological treatment.

Comparative patient occlusions before and after neurophysiological treatment.

Comparative occlusal views of the patient: before and after the neurophysiological treatment

Comparative panoramic radiographs of the patient: before during and after the neurophysiological treatment.

Subsequent rehabilitation was done keeping the vertical dimension with the device, but having to yield a little at the ideal height due to the patient’s bone conditions, rehabilitation possibilities and orthodontic limitations. The rehabilitation was done with metal ceramic crowns, and in the upper implants zirconia crowns in elements 14 and 15.

Patient’s postural comparative frontal images: before, during and after the  neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s postural comparative profile images: before, during and after the  neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s lateral comparative lateral radiographs: before and after the  neurophysiological treatment.

Main Symptoms:

1) Bilateral Tinnitus- This symptom bothered me greatly, especially in the silence of the night it was almost torture, today I do not feel anything else, so much that I have forgotten if I ever had tinnitus.

2) Strange sounds in both ears: I had difficulties to identify, I confused on which side came the sounds and voices.

3) Clenching and constant breaking of prostheses and restorations – I remember that this was the main reason why Dr. João told me to seek treatment.Today I use a orthotic to sleep and I never had any problems.

4) I had a great gift, which I did not expect and I was not looking for it either. Facial rejuvenation, to the point that some people do not recognize me as they pass me by. Others noticed the change and asked what I had done and more recently a friend asked me, what is the secret of growing young. I’m very happy, I’m much younger. Thank you Dr. Lídia, thank you Dr. João.

Child with Otalgia (earache) and Conductive Hearing Loss: when measuring makes the difference. Normalization of hearing thresholds. First and second phase. Case report.

Symptoms of mild hearing loss occurring in childhood often go unnoticed. It is vital the early detection of this deficiency.

Various physical and psychological activities of children and adolescents may be affected due to hearing impairment.

The conductive hearing loss resulting from Eustachian tube dysfunction INITIATED BY  TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS  is OFTEN NOT CONSIDERED.

It is vital the early detection of this deficiency.

There are two general types of hearing loss, conductive and sensorineural.

Conductive hearing loss results from disruption in the passage of sound from the external ear to the oval window.

Anatomically, this pathway includes the ear canal, tympanic membrane, and ossicles. Such loss may be due to cerumen impaction, tympanic membrane perforation, otitis media, osteosclerosis , intraaural muscle dysfunction, or displacement of the ossicles by the malleolar ligament.

Sensorineural hearing loss results from otology abnormalities beyond the oval window. Such abnormalities may affect the sensory cells of the cochlea or the neural fibers of the 8^th cranial nerve. Hearing loss with age (presbycusis) is an example. Eight cranial nerve tumors may also lead to such hearing loss.

Male patient, eleven years old,  arrived to the clinic for consultation referring headache, pain on the  back of the head, shoulder pain, neck pain, hand numbness and tingling  in hands and LIMITATION OF MOUTH OPENING.

The patient reports pain in the left ear and sensation of ear blockage especially on the left side. He also has tinnitus in both ears and DECREASE OF HEARING IN BOTH EARS.

Any hearing loss reported by the patient, must be evidenced by an audiometry.

Patient’s medical history: is relevant to this case the antecedent trauma on the chin at early childhood. It is also important to consider his recurrent infections of  ear and throat and that when he was eight months old he had a severe pneumonia that required hospitalization.

Images of the patient’s habitual occlusion. Upper and lower oclusal view. Patient’s photos:  frontal, profile and smiling on the day of consultation.

Patient’s initial panoramic radiograph

Patient temporomandibular joint laminography before treatment: we can observe the superior and posterior position of the left condylar process in the articular cavity when the jaw is in the position of  maximum intercuspidation.

In the maximum opening position, we can observe the anterior angulation of the left articular processes.

Patient’s habitual image occlusion before treatment, in the consultation day.We may observe here an important overbite.

It is evident the lack of space for the correct positioning of the  left maxillary canine.

Superior and lower oclusal view of the patient before treatment. It is evident the lack of space for the correct positioning of the left maxillary canine.

Patient’s lateral radiograph together with the profile image before treatment.

Retrognathic profile and rectification of the cervical spine.

MRI T1: Sagittal slice, left and right TMJ closed mouth before treatment.

We can observe anterior facets on the right and left mandibular heads.

In the right TMJ the disk is slightly anteriorly dislocated. The anterior dislocation is more evident on the left TMJ, with the head of the mandible backed on the retrodiscal  zone.

MRI T1: Sagittal slice, left and right TMJ open mouth before treatment.

We can observe anterior facets on both mandibular heads.

Both mandibular condyles cannot translate, reducing mouth opening.

Initial kinesiographic record: loss of speed when the patient opens and closes his mouth. There is no coincidence between the opening and closing trajectories in the sagittal view of the record. Limited mouth opening as the patient can open only 32.9 mm.

Surface electromyography of the patient in habitual occlusion in which are measured:

Anterior right and left temporalis

Right and left masseter

Right and left digastrics

Right and left superior trapezius

Activation of the digastrics in closure, these muscles should only must be in activity along the opening movement

During the examination there was an activation of the right and left upper trapezius even when the patient was instructed to lower his shoulders.He had activated both trapezius throughout the examination.

The patient reports pain in the left ear and sensation of ear blockage, especially on the left side. He also has tinnitus and DECREASE OF HEARING IN BOTH EARS.

ANY HEARING LOSS REPORTED BY THE PATIENT MUST BE EVIDENCED BY AN AUDIOMETRY.

An audiogram is produced by using a relative measure of the patient hearing as compared with an established “normal “value. It is a graphic representation of auditory threshold responses that are obtained from testing a patient’s hearing with pure-tone stimuli. The parameters of the audiogram are frequency, as measured in cycles per second (HZ) and intensity, as measured in dB­­­­.

The first audiometry of the patient revealed a mild hearing loss in the left ear and a moderate hearing loss in his right ear.

Symptoms of mild hearing loss occurring in childhood often go unnoticed. It is vital the early detection of this deficiency.

Hearing loss is classified as mild, in which the ear is unable to detect sounds below 40 decibels which makes it  difficult to understand human speech.

In moderate loss, the sounds below 70 decibels are not heard.

We recorded the mandibular rest position after electronic deprogramming, together with the information of the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to orient our decisions of the bite registration, for the three-dimensional construction of the DIO (intraoral device).

The patient has a pathological free space of 8.6 mm and 8 mm of mandibular retro position.

The degree of compression determinates de reaction of the patient.

The retrusion of the mandible, whether it is iatrogenically induced, or a result of malocclusion, often results in otalgia due to excessive compression of the neurovascular retrodiscal tissues. The patient’s impression is ear pain.

I informed the parents of the patient, that at this stage, I was only worried about the health of the patient, and focused on  improving the functions, the symptoms and controlling the conductive hearing loss.

Hearing loss resulting from Eustachian tube dysfunction, initiated by craniomandibular disorders is usually subjective.

For this reason there is a need for an objective control by audiometry.

 I explained that I would not make any orthodontic intervention at this stage to include in the arcade the canine that was misaligned and out of space. I told them  that I would take care of it later and in this case I would not have the need to extract teeth.

The installed device is controlled through surface electromyography to evaluate the function.

Patient’s second audiometry  shows normal thresholds in the left ear and a mild hearing loss in his right ear.

Comparing the first and second audiometry of the patient during treatment.

Thresholds normalization of the right ear and thresholds improvement of the left ear.

Structural lesions may produce functional changes which in turn increases the structural changes.

Structural and functional changes.

Even a decompressed joint, takes time to recover

Some structural lesions can be recovered, but  OTHERS CANNOT.

Even a decompressed joint, takes time to recover

Some structural lesions can be recovered, but OTHERS CANNOT.

It takes time to stabilize the muscles during treatment, different patients, different ages and different pathologies.

Patient’s third audiometry shows NORMAL thresholds in the left ear and NORMAL thresholds in his right ear.

Comparing the first, second and third audiometry of the patient during treatment.
Thresholds normalization in the right and left ear.

At this time with the normalization of the conductive hearing loss, the remission of symptoms and improvement of the images from the exams, we began the second phase through a three-dimensional orthodontics.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontic in the second stage of treatment of TMJ disorders in this particular patient. REMEMBER THAT NOT EVERY CASE WILL ALLOW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SECOND STAGE.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontic in the second stage of treatment of TMJ disorders in this particular patient. REMEMBER THAT NOT EVERY CASE WILL ALLOW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SECOND STAGE.

Patient’s lateral radiograph together with the profile image during treatment.

Aesthetic and not retrognathic profile as at the beginning of treatment.

There was not a recovery of the physiological lordosis, but there surely was an improvement of the cervical spine.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontic in the second stage of treatment of TMJ disorders in this particular patient. REMEMBER THAT NOT EVERY CASE WILL ALLOW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SECOND STAGE.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontic in the second stage of treatment of TMJ disorders in this particular patient. REMEMBER THAT NOT EVERY CASE WILL ALLOW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SECOND STAGE.

Removal of the DIO (intra oral device) at the current stage of the three-dimensional orthodontics.

Images without the DIO (intraoral device) and completion of the treatment of the three-dimensional orthodontic in neurophysiological occlusion.

Comparative images of the upper and lower oclusal views from the patient before and after completion of the first and the second phase of the neurophysiologic treatment.

The fourth audiometry of the patient after completion of the two phases of treatment maintains the normal thresholds in both the left ear and the right ear.

Part of the sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontics in the second stage of the treatment of TMJ disorders in this particular patient.

Comparative panoramic radiographs: before treatment and after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics.

Comparative of lateral radiographs of the patient: at the beginning of the treatment in habitual occlusion, after the  completion of the three-dimensional orthodontic in neurophysiological occlusion and six years after the completion of treatment control.

Patient’s kinesiographic records comparison: before and after treatment.

The mouth opening  of the patient improved from 32.9 mm to 38.9 mm and it also reached an excellent speed regarding  mouth opening and closing.

Patient’s electromyography records comparison: before, during and after treatment.

Patient’s kinesiographic records after electronically mandibular deprogramming comparison: before treatment the habitual trajectory is not coincident with the neuromuscular trajectory.

After treatment the habitual trajectory is tridimensional coincident with the neuromuscular trajectory.

Comparing the first, second, third and forth  audiometry of the patient.
Thresholds normalization of right and left ear.

Various physical and psychological activities of children and adolescents may be affected due to hearing impairment. The conductive hearing loss resulting from Eustachian tube dysfunction INITIATED BY  TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS  is OFTEN NOT CONSIDERED.

It is vital the early detection of this deficiency.

When the patient ended all the treatment, and being still a teenager, he left the following testament:

My dentist referred me to the orthodontist because I had a crooked canine. So, after a panoramic radiograph she suspected that I could have a TMJ problem. Then she referred me to Porto Alegre to do a MRI, and from that exam it was found something that indicated a TMJ problem. So then I started the tratment with Dr. Lidia Yavich, that also investigated the tinnitus and my hearing problem.

When I was little I felt and hit the chin but my parents didn’t know that it could affect my TMJ.

I suffered a lot from an earache and sore throat. I had even scheduled an ear surgery but after six months of treatment it was no longer necessary to do it. Today I am doing well. I have a good hearing and I don’t have any more the tinnitus and the throat pain. I am happy with this treatment, thanks to God and to Dra. Lidia Yavich.

Here follows the testimony of the same patient seven years after the completion of the treatment:

Today, more than seven years after the end of the TMJ treatment with Dr. Lidia, and thanks to the God-given gifts to her, I haven’t been suffering any more with the earaches nor with the throat pain or the hearing loss. I had had, before the treatment, the indication to make an ear operation since I was loosing my hearing and that was not necessary with the TMJ treatment because during the treatment I was monitorated by exams that had proven that my hearing improved. Today I live a normal life, without having problems with those things from the past. I thanks the treatment done by Dr. Lidia which has healed me and improved my life.

 

Neuromuscular Physiological Treatment in a Patient with Headache and Pain in the Temporomandibular Joints. Case report without possibility of Disc Recapture: first and second phase.

 

I often observe the debate on etiology and therapeutics, especially in TMJ dysfunction discussions groups, which are integrated by patients and professionals. These groups are active not only in Brazil but in several countries and communities from around the world.

I hope this space will add, strengthen or clarify those discussions.

The professional who treats patients with TMJ pathology has to take into account, at the moment of studying the clinical case, the patient’s particularities and the anatomical structures that are involved and provoking pain and affliction to our patient.

Even if the professional is scrupulous, evolutions can be different from patient to patient. That is why the professional has to investigate carefully which are the structures that can improve or even heal and which are the ones that cannot improve or still which ones we do not know if can be improved in the process of treatment.

Recognizing what we do not know is perhaps more important than recognizing  what we do know: and the communication of this understanding to the patient is essential.

When we start a treatment we must be certain of the structures we can meliorate, or even prevent of getting worse  and we also must know which structures  we DO NOT HAVE THE CONDITION TO MELIORATE and we certainly must communicate that to the patient. Within this framework, the most important thing is to investigate if  we can improve the quality of life of the patient.

Female patient with 45 years old arrives to the clinic for consultation suffering from headache every day, also suffering from neck pain and pain in the back of the neck, pain in both temporomandibular joints and severe pain on the shoulders.

Pain is more intense on the left side.

The patient reports a sensation of plugged ears and hearing decrease which was confirmed by an audiometry that refers normal hearing at  4KHZ and a severe sensorineural hearing loss at 6 KHZ and moderate at 8 KHz in the right ear.

The left ear has normal hearing thresholds.

The patient presents a buzzing in the left ear, and peculiar noises.

Patient’s habitual occlusion in the consultation day. Note patient’s overbite.

The patient reports that she wakes up with pain in the teeth, because of clenching.

Patient’s upper and lower oclusal view before treatment. Note the wear of the lower anterior teeth. The patient states that have made maxillary anterior teeth reconstruction with resin due to attrition caused by bruxism.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph before treatment. Absence of teeth 18,28,48.

Tooth 38 in a horizontal position, impacted

Reabsorption of the alveolar ridges.

Radiographic image of the right and left temporomandibular joints in closed and open mouth. Flattening of the anterior superior and posterior superior surface of the left articular process.

Patient’s lateral radiograph in habitual occlusion before treatment. Rectification of the cervical spine.

Patient’s frontal radiograph in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Patient’s lateral radiograph and cervical spine in habitual occlusion before treatment. Rectification of the cervical spine.

Patient’s computerized kinesiographic record before treatment. Patient without mouth opening restriction. Decreased closing speed, typical graph of an incisal guide that interferes with the closing trajectory.

Sagittal slices of the right closed TMJ. The mandible heads presents irregularities and cortical and subcortical sclerosis. Degenerative process.

The right articular disc shows small size, change in signal intensity and degenerative morphostructural aspect. It is anteriorly displaced.

Sagittal slices of the right open TMJ. The articular disc shows small size, is anteriorly displaced WITHOUT REDUCTION WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Another sagittal internal slice of the right closed TMJ showing cortical bone irregularities. Degenerative aspect.

The articular disc shows small size, change in signal intensity and degenerative morphostructural aspect. It is anteriorly displaced, WITHOUT REDUCTION WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Another sagittal slice of the right open TMJ. The articular disc shows small size, is anteriorly displaced WITHOUT REDUCTION WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Sagittal slices of the left closed TMJ. Mild contours irregularity with rectification of the superior aspect of the mandibular condyle. The articular disc presents reduced dimensions.Alteration in orientation of the mandibular condilar axis because of traumatism in infancy. The disc is anteriorly displaced, WITH REDUCTION WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Sagittal slice of the left open TMJ. THE DISC REDUCES WHEN THE MOUTH OPENS.

Frontal slice of the right and left temporomandibular joints, closed mouth. Note the cortical discontinuity on the right side already registered in the sagittal sections of the same side. The left side shows a medial disc deviation.

The masticatory muscles of the patient were electronically deprogrammed and a DIO (intraoral device) was constructed in neurophysiological position. In other publications computerized kinesiographic methods were mentioned.

In occlusion most often the healthy or pathological condition of the inter-oclusal space is not objectively considered. In this case the pathological free space of the patient is almost 7, 4 mm

With this data and ALWAYS WITH THE INFORMATION OF THE IMAGES OBTAINED WITH THE MRI, we built a DIO (intraoral device) to keep the three-dimensionally recorded position.

One year after the beginning of neurophysiological treatment, the patient had to interrupt the treatment to undergo a spine surgery.

The patient returned 10 months after the interval, recovered from the intervention. The patient was  then again documented to assess any changes that might have happened during the interruption and the spine surgery.

Patient’s postural comparative frontal images: before treatment and restarting therapeutic after the spine surgery.

Patient’s postural profil comparative images: before treatment and restarting therapeutic after the spine surgery.

The masticatory muscles of the patient were AGAIN electronically deprogrammed and NEW DIO (intraoral device) was built in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph with the DIO (intraoral device) built in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s right and left temporomandibular joints laminography  in closed and open mouth  with the DIO built in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s lateral radiograph with the DIO built in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s lateral and cervical spine radiograph with the DIO built in neurophysiological position.

PATIENT’S ANALYSIS AT THIS STAGE OF THE TREATMENT.

Patient with degenerative processes not only in the temporomandibular  joints but also in the cervical spine and lumbar spine which led her to surgery.

Inability to recapture of the right TMJ disk. Whereby this was an objective that was not taken into account.

Remission of symptoms and improvement of  life quality.

Physiological mandibular posture, recovery of free space interocclusal through the DIO (Intraoral device).

In this particular case even WITHOUT DISC RECAPTURE (CONDITION THAT WAS EXPLAINED IN THE DIAGNOSIS)  the patient can pass into the second phase, always taking into account that we should protect the joint during the night and during physical activity.

Each case is unique and the decision to move to a second phase also needs an individualized study.

It was decided to begin the SECOND PHASE of treatment to remove the DIO (intraoral device), keeping the neurophysiological occlusion.

For this we used a three-dimensional orthodontics, where the teeth are erupted in order to reach the new neurophysiological position.

In the second phase, in this case the three-dimensional orthodontic the patient is monitored and electronically deprogrammed. The device is often  recalibrated or replaced, to maintain the position obtained in the first phase.

In the second phase, in this case the three-dimensional orthodontic the patient is monitored and electronically deprogrammed. The device is often recalibrated or replaced, to maintain the position obtained in the first phase.

In this sequence the patient is still with the DIO (intraoral device)  in the mouth.

Removal of the DIO (intra oral device)

Completion of the second phase of the neurophysiological treatment in this case with a three-dimensional orthodontics. 

The second phase is here understood as the three- dimensional orthodontics, restorative, prosthetic procedures in accordance with each clinical case in order to remove the DIO, while maintaining the neurophysiological position obtained in the first phase.

Patient’s upper and lower oclusal views after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics.

Patient’s right and left temporomandibular joints laminography in closed and open mouth  in neurophysiological position after finalization of the treatment.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph in neurophysiological occlusion in the completion of treatment. The tooth 38 that was in a horizontal and impacted position was extracted since the patient had no more symptoms of joint pain.

Patient’s lateral radiograph in neurophysiological occlusion in the completion of the second phase of neurophysiological treatment.

Temporomandibular joints MRI after de finalization of the second phase.

We must remember that this is a patient with degenerative processes and impossibility of recapture of the right TMJ disc, the left disk is so damaged that it does not fulfill its function.

The patient no longer has symptoms.

The final MRI shows no worsening of the situation and in the frontal slice it shows a better three-dimensional location of the mandibular condyle and cortical improvement.

Patient’s lateral comparative radiographs: at the beginning of treatment in habitual occlusion, during treatment after the spine surgery interruption with the DIO (intraoral device) in neurophysiological occlusion and after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics in neurophysiological occlusion.

Comparative records of mandibular rest position at the beginning of the treatment to build the DIO (intraoral device), and at the end of the second phase of the treatment (tridimensional orthodontics) to build a DIO (intraoral device) for night use.

Notice that in the beginning of the treatment the patient had a pathological interocclusal space of 7.4mm, and in the record at the end of the second phase for the nocturne DIO the patient has 3.3mm of free interocclusal space.

We have to take into account that  the free interocclusal space IS A THREE-DIMENSIONAL SPACE, AND WHEN WE HAVE STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES IN THE JOINTS, THE SPACE IS NOT EQUAL ON THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT SIDE.

Patient’s  comparative profil postural images: at the beginning of treatment in habitual occlusion, during treatment after the spine surgery and treatment interruption with the DIO (intraoral device) in neurophysiological occlusion and after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics in neurophysiological occlusion.

Patient’s frontal comparative postural images: at the beginning of treatment in habitual occlusion, during treatment after the spine surgery and treatment interruption with the DIO (intraoral device) in neurophysiological occlusion and after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics in neurophysiological occlusion.

I had made several appointments with specialists, such as otorhinolaryngologist, dentists and maxilo-facial surgeons. However, all of them were without success and that is when I looked for Dr. Lidia to whom I reported the following symptoms.

I used to wake up every day with a lot of pain on the left side, both in the head and neck and I used to feel a rigidity on the neck and shoulder. In that time I used to take painkillers every single day in the morning. I also used to suffer of a serious problem of bruxism and because of that I wore out my front teeth, both the upper and lower teeth, and I had to restore them. I used to feel a lot of pain from the tremendous pressure that I used to make between the lower and upper part of my mouth. Another symptom was the high sensitivity on the teeth when I drank cold liquids. I felt as my ears were always blocked in such a way that my hearing decreased. I also used to hear a noise, especially on the left side, which sounded like a continuous whistle.

I also told the doctor that when I was a child I was hit with a brick, in the middle of a child’s play.

After reporting all that she asked me to make many exams and many of them were made in the MY Clinic and finally she told me that I had a problem in the TMJ. I started a treatment with her in 2011. I started to use an acrylic splint on my lower teeth day and night, all the time, taking it of only for its hygiene.

The pain that I used to feel so much decreased and in short time I did not feel it any more. Doctor Lidia had to adjust the orthotic monthly, making exams in her clinic until it reached the optimal height. On the next year from when I started the treatment I had to interrupt it for 8 or 10 months because I had to make a column surgery but I returned to the treatment as soon as I was well enough. I kept on treatment for one more year and after that I started the second part of the treatment with braces.

At the time that the treatment ended I did not need to use any more braces nor the full time orthotic. Today I need to use the orthotic only when I do physical activities and to sleep. I never again felt the horrible pain that I used to feel. I also never felt again the sensation of having blocked ears and happily the noise reduced. Today I am very happy that I do not have to take daily painkillers and that I do not have any pain. I am very grateful to doctor Lidia because she discovered and solved my problem.

For the interested coleagues in this training: the course starts at the September 1st.
Please write to the email for more informations:  lidiayavich@gmail   ou  lidiayavich@clinicamy.com.br
+55 5130612237    +55 5133322124       This course will be given in Portuguese

Reestablishment of the Bone Marrow Signal in a case of Avascular Necrosis of the Mandibular Head. Monitoring two years after treatment.

Preparing a new publication of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) study and investigation page, I received the new MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) that I requested for the patient presented in the last clinical case published.

I decided that it was high priority to publish this follow up before the next clinical case.

Recapitulating the clinical situation and the images of the patient after treatment:

The patient had remission of symptoms.

The patient had improved function and recovered the vertical dimension.

The patient had improved aesthetics (recovering the vertical dimension).

The patient had recovered the mouth opening, without presenting limitation as observed before treatment.

The patient had improved her posture.

Is important to highlight that in this case, with discs of reduced dimensions lying anteriorly displaced WITHOUT REDUCTION when the mouth opened, the goal was to decompress, to recover the vertical dimension, and to wait for the medullary signal recovery by decompression, remembering that all bacteriological and rheumatologic research was negative.

At the end of treatment the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the patient showed a MEDULAR SIGNAL IMPROVEMENT, yet still far from satisfactory recovery in terms of image, EVEN TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the improvement of symptomatology.

I will post some of the most remarkable initial MRI images before the treatment, to review the clinical case in detail enter in this link.

This publication will emphasis the images, a fundamental tool for understanding what we really can achieve beyond the patient’s clinical improvement.

Understanding the positive or negative changes in the structures affected in TMJ pathologies is critical in the comprehension of the etiology that led to the deterioration of the patient’s structures and consequently triggered the symptoms that affected the quality of life of our patients.

REMEMBERING THAT THIS IMPLIES A DIFFERENTIAL AND UNIQUE DIAGNOSIS FOR EACH CASE.

MRI: sagittal slice of the right TMJ closed mouth.

There is an irregularity of contour with reduction of the superior aspect of the mandibular condyle, the condyle is ante versioned. There is a small anterior osteophyte.

The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, when the mouth opens.

Presence of subcortical bone cysts in the anterior superior aspect of the mandibular condyle.

MRI: sagittal slice of the left TMJ closed mouth. There is a substantial irregularity of contour of the upper portion of the mandibular condyle, with the formation of an anterior osteophyte.

There is a rectification of the articular eminence.

The disc has reduced dimensions lying anteriorly displaced when the mouth opens.

CAN BE SEEN AN IMPORTANT HIPOSSINAL COMPATIBLE WITH AVASCULAR NECROSIS.

Osteonecrosis of the mandible head corresponds to the death of bone tissue also called avascular necrosis.

The alteration in the bone marrow of the mandibular condyle is a possible source of TMJ pain.

To  remember and follow in detail all the images and description of the case report, the reader should return to the previous post.

MRI: another sagittal slice of the left TMJ closed mouth.

There is an important  irregularity of contour of the superior aspect of the mandibular condyle and a formation of an anterior osteophyte.

There is a rectification of the articular eminence.

The disc has reduced dimensions lying anteriorly displaced WITHOUT REDUCTION when the mouth opens.

CAN BE SEEN AN IMPORTANT HIPOSSINAL COMPATIBLE WITH AVASCULAR NECROSIS.

Osteonecrosis of the mandible head corresponds to the death of bone tissue also called avascular necrosis.

The alteration in the bone marrow of the mandibular condyle is a possible source of TMJ pain.

To  remember and follow in detail all the images and description of the case report, the reader should return to the previous post.

MRI:same previous sagittal slice of the left TMJ, closed mouth in T2

MRI in T2 clearly shows the ARTICULAR EFFUSION.

The differential diagnosis of TMJ effusion has a broad spectrum as the effusions in other joints in other parts of the skeleton.

 MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can give us a lot of information, not just the disc position.

To  remember and follow in detail all the images and description of the case report, the reader should return to the previous post.

MRI, frontal section of the left TMJ, closed mouth.

CAN BE SEEN AN IMPORTANT HIPOSSINAL COMPATIBLE WITH AVASCULAR NECROSIS.

Avascular necrosis occurs when blood flow to a bone is interrupted or reduced. It can be caused by various conditions, such as bone or joint damage, PRESSURE INSIDE THE BONE and other medical conditions.

The condyle affected by avascular necrosis has low signal on T1-weighted images as a result of edematous changes in trabecular bone.

Osteonecrosis of the condylar head corresponds to the death of bone tissue, also called avascular necrosis.

 Alteration in the bone marrow of the mandibular condyle is a possible source of TMJ pain.

MRI, frontal section of the right TMJ closed mouth. Upper lesion in the right mandibular condyle, as described in the same sagittal slice of the same condyle as subcortical bone cysts.

To  remember and follow in detail all the images and description of the case report, the reader should return to the previous post.

In the last publication WERE POSTED THE INITIAL IMAGES BEFORE TREATMENT AND THE IMAGES AFTER TREATMENT.

IN THIS PUBLICATION I POSTED THE IMAGES COMPARING: before treatment, after treatment and TWO-YEARS FOLLOW-UP AFTER neurophysiological treatment.

T1-weighted right frontal images comparison: before treatment, after treatment and two years of follow-up after neurophysiological treatment.

We can see the improvement in the medullary signal of the left condyle and the improvement of the superior cortical bone. THE THIRD IMAGE HAS NO TRACES OF THE SUBCORTICAL LESION .

T1-weighted left frontal images comparison: before treatment, after treatment and two years of follow-up after neurophysiological treatment.

We can see the improvement in medullary signal of the left condyle in the central image and THE  BONE MEDULLARY RECOVERY IN THE THIRD IMAGE.

THE MANDIBULAR CONDYLE HAS A HELTHY BONE MARROW SIGNAL.

T1-weighted right sagittal images closed mouth comparison: before treatment, after treatment and two years of follow-up after neurophysiological treatment.

We can see the improvement of the medullary signal and cortical bone. ABSENCE OF SUBCORTICAL BONE CYSTS in the anterior superior aspect of the mandibular condyle OBSERVED IN THE FIRST IMAGE before treatment. Improvement in the cortical bone of the mandibular head.

T2-weighted right sagittal images comparison: before treatment, after treatment and two years of follow-up after neurophysiological treatment.

It is clear in the first image the inflammatory signal. In the central image we can notice the improvement of the intramedullary signal and the remission of posterior effusion.

IN THE THIRD IMAGE WE CAN SEE THE TOTAL REMISSION OF THE INFLAMMATORY SIGNAL.

The patient DID NOT USE ANY ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG.

T1-weighted left sagittal images comparison: before treatment, after treatment and two years of follow-up after neurophysiological treatment.

We can see the improvement in medullary signal of the left condyle in the central image and THE  BONE MARROW RECOVERY IN THE THIRD IMAGE.

THE MANDIBULAR CONDYLE HAS A HELTHY BONE MARROW SIGNAL.

All relevant images were posted, nevertheless I think it is important to highlight THIS FRONTAL RIGHT TMJ comparative image because of the MEDULLARY SIGNAL OBVIOUSNESS.

The first image before treatment and the second two years of follow-up after treatment. MEDULLARY BONE WITH AVASCULAR NECROSIS RECOVERED IN A HEALTHY MEDULLARY SIGNAL.

Avascular necrosis occurs when blood flow to a bone is interrupted or reduced. It can be caused by various conditions, such as bone or joint damage, PRESSURE INSIDE THE BONE and other medical conditions.

The differential diagnosis of the alteration in signal intensity of the mandibular condyle begins with the knowledge of the normal characteristics of medullary signal.

Right and left TMJ sagittal and frontal comparative slices. Before treatment and two years of follow-up after neurophysiological treatment.

To  remember and follow in detail all the images and description of the case report, the reader should return to the previous post.

In the previous publication the control images after two years of treatment were NOT posted.

With the application of advanced diagnostic techniques like MRI the alterations of the medullary signal from the mandibular condyle can be detected, similar to those seen in the femoral head with osteonecrosis.

The detection of effusion and bone marrow alterations is important information before the treatment.

 The information of what really we achieve after our treatments in the image beyond the clinical improvement of our patient is also substantial information.

In this case showing the improvement and recuperation of the medullar signal with the correct mandibular reposition and decompression.

TMJ Pathologies Treatment: Patient with Severe Headaches and Temporomandibular Joint Pain with Significant Contour Irregularities in the Mandibular Condyle and Mouth Opening Limitation.

In several publications of this page I have presented patients of different ages, different gender and different pathologies of the temporomandibular joints.

This is the second case report about a patient with prosthetic protocols built on implants.

I call once again the importance of  the attention in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joints pathologies and mandibular position as a key part of any procedure in dentistry.

Female patient 54 years old arrived to the clinic for consultation with severe headache complaints, pain in the temporomandibular joints, pain in the cervical spine, sore shoulders, ear pain, feeling of clogged ears and crepitation in both temporomandibular joints.

The patient was referred by her dentist who performed the treatment of implants and prosthetics, rehabilitating the patient, but without being able to relieve the pain that afflicted her.

Part of the questionnaire completed by the patient.

The patient reports daily pain.

FUNCTIONS THAT AGGRAVATE HER PAIN:

Mastication

Opening the mouth

Laughing

Yawning

The patient also refers back pain and numbness and tingling in the arms and fingers.

Refers that she wakes up with body aches.

Patient habitual occlusion on the day of consultation.

The patient had fixed prostheses supported on implants on the lower jaw and a removable upper protocol supported on implants on the maxilla.

Patient’s superior and inferior oclusal view of the prostheses supported on implants on the day of consultation.

Image of the oral cavity of the patient without the upper prosthesis.

Patient’s superior and inferior oclusal view without the superior prostheses.

Patient’s initial panoramic radiograph before treatment with the prosthesis in the habitual occlusion before treatment.

Presence of 4 metallic implants in the maxilla 2 on the right side and 2 on the left side; and 5 implants in the anterior mandible region.

Patient’s TMJ right and left laminography, closed and open mouth: posterior positioning of the articular processes in the joint cavities when the jaw is in maximum intercuspation position.

Patient’s lateral radiograph with prosthesis in habitual occlusion.

Patient’s lateral radiograph and cervical spine with prosthesis in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Alterations of the cervical spine, loss of physiological lordosis and loss of intervertebral spaces especially between the vertebrae C4, C5 and C6.

Ricketts cephalometric analysis before treatment with prostheses in habitual occlusion.

Values of point A convexity and lower facial height before treatment.

Frontal radiograph of the patient with the prosthesis in habitual occlusion.

MRI, sagittal slice of the right TMJ closed mouth: there is an irregularity of contour with reduction of the superior aspect of the mandibular condyle, the condyle is ante versioned. There is a small anterior osteophyte.

The articular disc is displaced anteriorly, WITHOUT REDUCTION when the mouth opens.

Presence of subcortical bone cysts in the anterior superior aspect of the mandibular condyle.

MRI, sagittal slice of the left TMJ closed mouth: there is a substantial irregularity of contour of the upper portion of the mandibular condyle, with the formation of an anterior osteophyte.

There is a rectification of the articular eminence.

The disc has reduced dimensions lying anteriorly displaced WITHOUT REDUCTION when the mouth opens.

Can be seen an important hipossinal compatible with avascular necrosis.

MRI, another sagittal slice of the left TMJ closed mouth: there is an important  irregularity of contour of the superior aspect of the mandibular condyle and a formation of an anterior osteophyte.

There is a rectification of the articular eminence.

The disc has reduced dimensions lying anteriorly displaced WITHOUT REDUCTION when the mouth opens.

Can be seen an important hipossinal compatible with avascular necrosis.

MRI in T2 clearly shows the joint effusion.

The differential diagnosis of TMJ effusion has a broad spectrum as the effusions in other joints in other parts of the skeleton.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can give us a lot of information, not just the disc position.

MRI, frontal section of the right and left TMJ, closed mouth. Upper lesion in the right mandibular condyle, as described in the same sagittal slice of the same condyle as subcortical bone cysts.

In the slice of the mandibular head on the left side can be seen an important hipossinal compatible with avascular necrosis.

Avascular necrosis occurs when blood flow to a bone is interrupted or reduced. It can be caused by various conditions, such as bone or joint damage, pressure inside the bone and other medical conditions.

The condyle affected by avascular necrosis has low signal on T1-weighted images as a result of edematous changes in trabecular bone.

Sagittal sections of the right TMJ, closed mouth before the treatment.

There were previously posted to highlight the images I find most relevant, but also this series are registered.

MRI,sagittal sections of the right TMJ, open mouth before the treatment. There is a limitation on opening of the mandibular condyle.

MRI, sagittal sections of the left TMJ, closed mouth before the treatment.

There were previously posted to highlight the images I find most relevant, but also this series are registered.

MRI,sagittal sections of the left TMJ, open mouth before the treatment. There is a limitation on opening of the mandibular condyle.

MRI, T2 sagittal sections of the left TMJ, closed mouth before the treatment.

There were previously posted to highlight the image I find most relevant, but also this series are registered.

Serial in T2 clearly showing the joint effusion.

Tests were done on the patient to investigate systemic inflammatory disease, which were all negative.

It was also investigated chlamydia trachomatis infections, mycoplasma pneumoniae infections and beta hemolytic streptococcus infections , results in this case were also negative.

It was also investigated the functioning of the thyroid.

The masticatory muscles of the patient were electronically deprogrammed and DIO (intraoral device) was constructed in neurophysiological position. In other publications computerized kinesiographic methods were mentioned.

In occlusion most often the healthy or pathological condition of the inter-oclusal space is not objectively considered. In this case the free space of the pathological patient is almost 7 mm and a retro position 0 8 mm.

With this data and ALWAYS WITH THE INFORMATION OF IMAGES, we built a DIO (intraoral device) to keep the three-dimensionally recorded position.

This device must be tested electromyographically to objectively measure the patient.

It is essential to control the DIO (intra oral device) as the patient is treated and the mandible is repositioned.

In this case the control still shows us the need for recalibration of the DIO (intraoral device)

Comparative panoramic radiographs: before treatment and after neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s frontal radiographs comparison: with the prosthesis in habitual occlusion and the DIO intraoral device built on the prosthesis.

Right and left temporomandibular joints laminographies, closed and open mouth comparison: with the prosthesis in habitual occlusion and with the DIO intraoral device built on the prosthesis.

Ricketts cephalometric analysis after treatment with the DIO constructed on the prostheses in neurophysiological occlusion.

Values of point A convexity and lower facial height after treatment.

Patient’s lateral radiographs comparison: with the prosthesis in habitual occlusion and with the DIO built on the prosthesis in neurophysiological position.

The DIO (intra oral device) is used to support, align and correct deformities in order to improve the functions of the jaw, temporomandibular joints and the muscles that move both. This device should be checked and recalibrated as the records indicate the need for modification.

Comparison of aesthetic Ricketts plane in lateral radiograph with prosthesis in habitual occlusion and the DIO constructed on the prosthesis in neurophysiological position.

Comparison of T1-weighted images: before treatment and after treatment: we can see the improvement in medullary signal.

Comparison of T2-weighted images: before and after treatment. It is clear in the first image the inflammatory signal and in the other image the improvement of the intramedullary signal and the remission of posterior effusion.

Comparison of T1-weighted images: before treatment and after treatment, we can see the improvement in medullary signal and improvement of the cortical bone.

Frontal T1-weighted images comparison, before and after treatment treatment: we can see the improvement of the upper lesion on the right mandibular condyle.

Frontal T1-weighted images comparison, before and after treatment: we can see the improvement in medullary signal and improvement of the cortical bone of the left mandibular condyle.

Comparative sagittal sections of the right TMJ open mouth, before and after treatment.

Notice the mandibular condyles WITHOUT LIMITATION IN OPENING  in relation to the limitation that had before treatment.

Comparative sagittal sections of the left TMJ open mouth, before and after treatment.

Notice the mandibular condyles WITHOUT LIMITATION IN OPENING  in relation to the limitation that had before treatment.

Patient’s postural frontal comparative images before and after treatment.

Patient’s  postural profile comparative images  before and after treatment.

Ricketts cephalometric analysis before and after neurophysiological treatment.

Skeletal problems in Ricketts cephalometric analysis before and after treatment.

“Headache (already when waking up in the morning), tiredness sensation at the cheekbones, strong tensing at the shoulders and neck, “clicks” at the temporomandibular joint, ear pain… consequently I also felt irritation, indisposition, stress etc.

All of that is something I had to live with for a long time. The investigations made on me always resulted in palliative measures that mitigated the problem for a short time.

I passed through implants and placement of prostheses which even without having (those measurements) the aim of healing this malaise I still had the hope that it would: but the relief only worked for a short period of time. Finally, by indication of my dentist, I arrived at Clinic MY starting then the TMJ treatment. Shortly after the start of the treatment the symptoms started to fade.

I am very thankful for the professionalism and dedication that I found there. Today, feeling better, I go back there for periodic evaluations and also to have the opportunity of thanking  once more.”

Postural Improvement in a Patient after Neuromuscular Physiological Mandible Repositioning Treatment. Patient with Scoliosis Surgery and Craniomandibular Symptomatology

The interrelationship between mandibular posture, occlusion and body posture is a topic covered by different health professionals.

When we speak of occlusion we do not mean only the relationship between the dental arches but we are also referring to the balance between teeth, muscles and temporomandibular joint in connection with all the postural scheme. In that way we can see and analyze patient as a whole.

This clinical case report describes a patient who came to the clinic for consultation after a scoliosis surgery, with craniomandibular symptoms and loss of vertical dimension.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional structural deformation of the spine.

Idiopathic scoliosis is probably multi aetiological

The prevalence of the association between scoliosis and craniofacial anomalies should stimulate multidisciplinary collaboration on treating these patients, especially when we have an early diagnosis.

Patient narrative: brief history of the surgery:

When I was 14 years old I was diagnosed with scoliosis, after being noticed with a deformation on the back. Several medical experts were consulted and they stated the same diagnosis, however none of them could tell the causes, and they added that it could be related  to a malformation, some `trauma` in the growth phase, maybe being a hereditary problem.

“My mother noticed that the left side of my back was higher than the right side. In this period I also had frequently faints. Therefore, tests were performed, such as blood tests, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram. They did not present any alteration”

“Concerned about the situation we consulted an orthopedic surgeon who ordered the realization of a panoramic X-ray of the spine. That test  showed a lumbar scoliosis of 25 degrees, for which the doctor recommended physical therapy.”

Panoramic radiographs of the spine were photographed on a glass of the window on day light, that’s why we can observe elements of the landscape.

Cervicothoracic  Scoliosis. Left convexity, Cobb angle of 25 degrees. No significant pelvic difference.

“Initially, with about 25 degrees of curvature, I did physical therapy sessions and follow-up for a month.”

“I also used an insole ( which I stopped using it  because I did not perceive results and I felt no need) at the time I was also treating a cross bite.”

Thoracic-lumbar scoliosis, left convexity, C0bb angle of 44 degrees. Accentuation of lumbar lordosis difference of the femoral heads of 3 mm.

“Clinical tests revealed that the curvature had evolved progressively to more than the double in size, reaching approximately 45 degrees. At the time, the proposed solution was the use of a neck vest in order to curb this trend.”

X-rays taken for scoliosis treatment control with orthopedic brace.

“The vest was being used 22 hours per day, and it was also recommended swimming lessons for greater flexibility and aid in respiration in case of surgery.”

“During this period, there was a monitoring and vest readjustment in every month.”

“Finally, this alternative was not efficient enough, as the bending progressed to 64 degrees.”

X-rays taken for scoliosis treatment control with orthopedic brace.

“Thus, according to doctors, we reached the surgical case.”

“At my 16 years old, I had the surgery on my spine. The recovery was gradual, nonetheless restfull. The pains, which were always absent, were felt not often in the hip area and legs. The bend in my spine regressed to 19 degrees.”

CONTROL REPORT OF COLUMN XR PANORAMIC SPINAL AFTER SURGERY:

Radiographic examination performed for surgical treatment control of Thoracic-lumbar scoliosis, left convexity fixed by metal screws and rods.

“After a year, I was released to engage in any sport mode, which until then I was forbidden to practice.”

REASON FOR THE CONSULTATION AT CLINIC MY:

“After dental treatment (crossbite) with another professional, mainly due to a shift in the cervical spine that I had tried to fix at the same time – but I did not had  another solution unless the surgery, which had already been completed – I was guided to proceed with Dra. Lidia, also to investigate the relationship between the two cases, so far no connection, the dental arch and the cervical spine. ”

“Following the derivation, I met Dr. Lidia to whom I presented my case, including the surgery of the spine, which led her to investigate the links that could be  cause and consequence of the whole problematic. After many conversations and clarifications I surrendered to the treatment.”

The patient arrived to the clinic for consultation after a spine surgery, complaining of headache, frequent fatigue, pain behind the eyes, pain in the shoulders and clenching.

Patient’s postural photographs of right and left profile after the spine surgery before the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s frontal and back postural photographs after the spine surgery before the neurophysiological treatment.

Part of the medical record where the patient marks the points where feels pain.

Patient’s habitual occlusion on the day of consultation after spine surgery and the completion of orthodontic treatment before the neurophysiological mandibular repositioning.

Patient’s superior and lower oclusal view on the day of consultation after spine surgery and the completion of orthodontic treatment before the neurophysiological mandibular repositioning.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph on the day of consultation after spine surgery and the completion of orthodontic treatment, before the neurophysiological mandibular repositioning.

Remodeling apical teeth 11,21,22,33,43 compatible with orthodontic movement.

Patient’s temporomandibular joint laminography in habitual occlusion, closed and open mouth, both sides on the day of consultation after spine surgery and the completion of orthodontic treatment, before the neurophysiological mandibular repositioning.

Asymmetrical head of the mandible: the left one with a facet in the posterior surface and a change of orientation in the vertical axis.

Patient’s lateral radiograph in habitual occlusion on the day of consultation after spine surgery and the completion of orthodontic treatment, before the neurophysiological mandibular repositioning.

Note the beginning of the cervical curvature inversion at C4 level.

Patient’s frontal radiograph in habitual occlusion on the day of consultation after spine surgery and the completion of orthodontic treatment, before the neurophysiological mandibular repositioning.

Note the loss of vertical dimension.

Patient’s lateral radiograph and cervical spine in habitual occlusion on the day of consultation after spine surgery and the completion of orthodontic treatment, before the neurophysiological mandibular repositioning.

Note the the cervical curvature inversion at C4 level.

MRI of the right TMJ:

Sagittal section, closed mouth; there is an anteversion of the mandibular condyle, discrete rectification of its anterosuperior portion.

MRI of the right TMJ:

Sagittal section, closed mouth; there is an anteversion of the mandibular condyle, discrete rectification of its anterosuperior portion.

Mild cortical irregularity of the anterior-posterior edge of the condyle.

MRI of the left TMJ:

Sagittal section, closed mouth; there is an anteversion of the mandibular condyle, discrete rectification of its anterosuperior portion.

MRI of the left TMJ:

Sagittal section, closed mouth; there is an anteversion of the mandibular condyle, discrete rectification of its anterosuperior portion.

Traumatism history reported by the patient

1 – Fall off a wall of approximately 1.50m tall. She fell on her back hitting the back of the head on the ground.

2- Sudden braking in the car. She was pushed against the windshield, but was held by her father.

3 – Bicycle fall. The pacient was taking a ride on the rack of a friend bycicle when she fell and and hits the mouth on the floor.

Patient’s electromyography record in habitual occlusion. Asymmetry between the right and left temporal muscles and asymmetry between the masseter muscles.

The most important thing in this case is the greater activity of the temporalis  muscles in relation to the masseter muscles. Remember that the muscles that must recruit more motor units in maximum intercuspation are the masseters and not the temporalis muscles.

Mandibular rest neurophysiological position record.

The masticatory muscles of the patient were electronically deprogrammed and a new neurophysiological rest position was recorded.

The patient had a pathological free way space of 5 mm and a shift to the right of 1,5 mm.

With the data obtained after the mandibular electronic deprogramming and ALWAYS WITH THE INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE IMAGES, a DIO (Intraoral device) in neurophysiological position was constructed.

DIO: Intraoral Device constructed in neurophysiological position.

Electromyography dynamic record of the patient with the DIO built in neurophysiological position.

In the first selection we can already observe a symmetry between the anterior temporalis muscles.

In the last selection with cotton rolls on both sides it can be observed an improvement in the recruitment of motor units in the masseters muscles and even lower recruitment in the anterior temporalis muscles. Remember that the DIO (Intraoral Device) is tested and calibrated  with Bioinstrumentation.

Kinesiographic control of the DIO. Freeway interocclusal space of 2.6 mm and shows no deviation on the frontal record.

Frontal radiographs comparison: the first in habitual occlusion and the second with the DIO (Intraoral device) in neurophysiological position. Improvement on the three-dimensional jaw alignment.

We cannot fix the structural differences of the mandibular condyles, but we can balance the muscles.

Lateral radiographs comparison: the first in habitual occlusion and the second with the DIO (Intraoral device) in neurophysiological position.

Lateral and cervical spine radiographs comparison: the first in habitual occlusion and the second with the DIO (Intraoral device) in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s TMJ laminographies comparison: the first in habitual occlusion and the second with the DIO (Intraoral device) in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s panoramic radiographs comparison: the first in habitual occlusion and the second with the DIO (Intraoral device) in neurophysiological position.

Right TMJ sagittal section, closed mouth comparison: before treatment in habitual occlusion and with the DIO (Intraoral device) in neurophysiological position.

Left TMJ sagittal section, closed mouth comparison: before treatment in habitual occlusion and with the DIO (Intraoral device) in neurophysiological position.

Patient’s postural profile comparative images in habitual occlusion before the treatment, in the beginning of the treatment wearing the DIO (Intraoral Device) and as we can see in the third photograph) in the stage that alouds us to perform the second phase of the treatment with a tridimensional orthodontics.

Patient’s postural frontal comparative images in habitual occlusion before the treatment, in the beginning of the treatment wearing the DIO (Intraoral Device) and ( as we can see in the third photograph) in the stage that alouds us to perform the second phase of the treatment with a tridimensional orthodontics.

After treatment:

PATIENT TESTIMONY:

Especially the headaches (frontal) and the tension in the trapezius, along with the other listed symptoms, which hindered my work and productivity, were easily controlled with the treatment.

I am grateful to Dr. Lidia Yavich and the Clinica MY team for the profissionalism and which always had great care and attention, in the connection of the teeth, face and temporomandibular joint with the spine and posture.

For reasons of study and work opportunities, I chose to take a break in treatment, before starting a three-dimensional orthodontics.

I kept on inued with the continuous  use of the DIO – the pain is still being controlled – until I had the conditions to finalize the treatment.

Description of habitual orthostatic position in the sagittal and frontal planes

Sagittal plane:

The evaluation is described according to the plumb line test. This test takes into account the anatomical points that must be aligned with the vertical axis (plumb line) that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis (foot rest surface). The points are the lateral malleolus (specifically in calcanocuboidea joint), the joint center of the knee, the hip center (located in the femoral head), the lumbar vertebrae (L3 – L4), the center of the shoulder joint (acromion) and the external auditory meatus (ear ).

Picture 1 – patient in habitual occlusion before treatment:                     

 

It is observed that the patient is with the body in front of the plumb line. This shift of the reference points is observed from the knee joint in direct side view.

Picture 2: Patient using the intraoral device at the beginning of the treatment

Note that in this situation the patient is with the joint reference points ahead of the plumb line, but there was an approximation of the body segments shoulder and external auditory canal in the direction of the plumb line.

Image 3: patient using the intraoral device ready to move to a three-dimensional orthodontics

It is observed in this image that the patient is more aligned in upright posture, where all the reference points are aligned or closer to the vertical axis. The lower back and ear still remained ahead of the regency axis.

According to the three images it can be seen an improvement in the alignment of the orthostatic position in the sagittal plane throughout the treatment. Initially the patient was possibly with the muscles of the posterior chain overloaded from the soles of the feet to the suboccipital region.

Probably the use of intraoral device relieved such overloading .

Frontal plane

In the frontal view, the description of the usual orthostatic position is made in relation to the plumb (vertical axis) and two horizontal axes: horizontal axis of surface supporting feet and horizontal axis that passes just above the shoulders. The reference points in the frontal plane are: midpoint between the two feet, pubic symphysis, xiphoid process (sternum center) center of the cervical vertebrae (spinous processes) and the midpoint between the eyes.

Picture 1: Patient in habitual occlusion before treatment

It is observed the following displacements in relation to the vertical axis: slight displacement of the pubis point to the right side of the patient, followed by a displacement of the rib cage (xiphoid process) to the left side. The neck and head region are displaced to the left side of the vertical axis.

In relation to the horizontal axis of the bearing surface and from above the shoulders, it is observed that the right shoulder is lower than the right one. According to this image it can be said that she has escolise or that she is in a postural attitute presenting scoliosis.

Picture 2: Patient using the intraoral device at the beginning of treatment

In image 2 it is possible to observe that the position of the pelvis remained slightly shifted to the right side of the vertical axis. However there was an approximation of the xiphoid process (the center of the sternum) in relation to the vertical axis, as well as to the cervical vertebrae and head. These segments still kept themselves to the right side of the reference point.

In relation to the horizontal reference axis, there is a better alignment of the shoulders. The left shoulder remains in a lower position than the left one. In this image it can be said that the patient has a scoliotic attitude whith the lower spine angles of lateral flexing smallers, in other words there is a change in the support, right where  the scoliotic attitude is milder.

Image 3: patient using the intraoral device ready to move to a three-dimensional orthodontics

From this photo it can be seen that there has been an alignment of reference points of the pubis and the xiphoid process in relation to the vertical axis. In addition, there was a repositioning of the cervical vertebrae and head, where the  reference points are closer to the reference axis. In relation to the horizontal axis the image shows a balanced alignment of the shoulders.

From the three images of the frontal plane it can be observed that there was an improvement in the usual orthostatic posture, however there is still a displacement of the cervical and head reference points to the left side of the vertical axis.

It can be suggested that before treatment the patient showed a distribution of a possibly assimetric body weight between the right and left feet. The pelvis shifted to the right, generates such imbalance. In the  high thoracic and cervical region, probably there was a shortening of the muscles of the left side chain and an overload of the right side chain. With the DIO probably these imbalances  were mitigated  in the habitual orthostatic posture.

This evaluation in orthostatic position is not a dynamic evaluation of the patient.

I appreciate this assessment to Cintia Brino Baril, Master in Science of Human Movement UFRGS.

Temporomandibular Joint Pathology in a Patient with Congenital Fusion of two Cervical Vertebrae. First and Second Phase. Case Report.

When two adjacent vertebrae are fused since birth, the whole vertebral unit is called congenital vertebral block.

Embryologically this fusion is the result of an error in the normal process of segmentation of somites (segmented structure, formed on both sides of the neural tube) during the differentiation in fetal weeks.

Due to the existence of a mobile segment, free joints  (non-fused), on top and underneath the vertebral block, suffer more stress.

They may also produce an abnormal curvature of the spine.

Understanding the complex inter relation of craniomandibular disorders require a wide comprehension, not only on anatomy and physiology of head and neck, but also of the vertebral spine.

The cervical spine is the flexible link between the head and the trunk.

Male patient arrived to the clinic for consultation referring headache, pain behind the eyes mostly on the right side and pain on the right eyebrow.

States that, when he passes his fingertips on the left eyebrow toward the right side, reaching the center he feels pain.

Relates pain in both shoulders.

The patient reports pain and clicking in both temporomandibular joints. He also complaints from a crepitation sensation in both TMJ.

He refers a sensation of blocked ears and bilateral tinnitus.

The patient reports that he tightens the teeth all day, and also mentions nocturnal bruxism.

He also complaints of pain in the back of the neck and pain in the cervical spine.

In his clinical history he reported a car accident when he was 12 year old.

He also had a strong blow in his mouth and mandible. He underwent a surgery on  L3, L4 and L5 because of disk herniation.

 Patient’s habitual occlusion image before the treatment in the consultation day.  We can notice the  fractured superior incisors   and the absence of the left superior canine.

Superior and lower oclusal view of the patient before treatment. In this image we can see the wear of the lower incisors and the fracture of the upper central incisors.

Patient’s initial panoramic radiograph: we can observe the absence of the  18, 23, 28, 38 and 48 elements. We can also notice the maxillary sinus extension on the premolars and molars region.

Patient temporomandibular joint laminography before treatment: we can observe the superior and posterior position of the right condylar process in the articular cavity  and the lower posterior positioning of the left condylar process in the articular cavity when the jaw is in maximum intercuspidation position.

In the maximum open position, we can observe the anterior angulation of the articular processes. More significant on the left side. Flattening of  the posterior surface of the articular processes.

Patient’s frontal radiograph in habitual occlusion before treatment.

Lateral radiograph in conjunction with the profile image of the patient before treatment.

Patient’s lateral radiograph and cervical spine before treatment.

The arrow marks the FUSION OF THE CERVICAL VERTEBRAE  C3 and C4.

When two adjacent vertebrae are fused since birth, the whole vertebral unit is called congenital vertebral block.

Embryologically, this fusion is the result of an error in the normal process of segmentation of somites (segmented structure, formed on both sides of the neural tube) during the differentiation in fetal weeks.

Due to the existence of a mobile segment, free joints (non-fused), on top and underneath the vertebral block, suffer more stress.

They may also produce an abnormal curvature of the spine.

MRI TI: Sagittal slice sequence of the left TMJ closed mouth.

We can see that despite the anterior angulation of the articular process (because of one of the sequels of traumatism in infancy) the disc is positioned at the head of the mandibular condyle.  Notice that the health of the soft elements had been preserved, even so there is a compression of the retrodiscal elements at the level of the  neck flexioned angle  of the mandibular condyle.

MRI TI: Sagittal slice sequence of the left TMJ closed mouth.

We can see that despite the anterior angulation of the articular process (because of one of the sequels of traumatism in infancy) the disc is positioned at the head of the mandibular condyle.  Notice that the health of the soft elements had been preserved, even so there is a compression of the retrodiscal elements at the level of the  neck flexioned angle  of the mandibular condyle.

MRI TI: Sagittal slice sequence of the right TMJ closed mouth.

We can see that despite the anterior angulation of the articular process (because of one of the sequels of traumatism in infancy) the disc is positioned at the head of the mandibular condyle.  Notice that the health of the soft elements had been preserved, even so there is a compression of the retrodiscal elements at the level of the  neck flexioned angle  of the mandibular condyle.

MRI TI: Sagittal slice sequence of the right TMJ closed mouth.

We can see that despite the anterior angulation of the articular process (because of one of the sequels of traumatism in infancy) the disc is positioned at the head of the mandibular condyle.  Notice that the health of the soft elements had been preserved, even so there is a compression of the retrodiscal elements at the level of the  neck flexioned angle  of the mandibular condyle.

MRI TI: Sagittal slice  of the right and left TMJ, open mouth.

In the maximum open position, we can better observe the anterior angulation of the articular processes. More significant in the left side.

MRI TI: Frontal slice  of the right and left TMJ, closed mouth.

Initial kinesiographic record: significant loss of speed when the patient opens and closes his mouth. There is no coincidence between the opening and closing trajectories in the sagittal view record. The record  in the sagittal view looks very vertical when the patient opens and closes the mouth, which is  typical of deep overbites.

To properly evaluate the maxillomandibular relationship we  should start considering the physiological mandibular rest position.

Physiological rest is a concept, applicable to the rest of the body muscles.

The stomathognatic muscles are not the exception.

The masticatory muscles of the patient were  electronically deprogrammed and a new neurophysiological rest position was recorded.

The record showed a pathological free space of 11,8 mm and a retrusion of 2 mm.

Remember that the angulation of the mandibular condyle caused by trauma in early childhood led to a loss in the  vertical growth and a compression at the  level of the flexioned angle of the mandibular condyle neck.

   Click here To read more about traumatisms in childhood and the greenstick fractures of the mandibular process.

With the recorded data after the electronical mandibular deprogramming and the kinesiographic trace obtained with the jaw tracker, we constructed a  DIO (intraoral device), to mantain the tridimentional registered position.

This intraoral device must be tested to objectively measure the patient.

Kinesiographic record control of the DIO  (intra oral device), constructed in neurophysiological position. Neuromuscular trajectories  are coincident and the  interocclusal free space is now 2.4mm.

These controls must be performed PERIODICALLY DURING THE FIRST PHASE OF TREATMENT and also during the SECOND PHASE OF TREATMENT.
In the clinical cases published in the  TMJ STUDY AND INVESTIGATION PAGE  I post a minimum selection of the sequenced records obtained during the treatment.

It is important to remember that during the neurophysiological treatment the patient is measured and controlled during all treatment.

The patient presented problems in the three-dimensional localization of the mandibular condyle

Even that structurally the mandibular condyles had undergone changes in the growth axis due to trauma in early childhood, they did not presented lesions that prevented us (after the  improvement of the three-dimensional jaw location) to continue with the SECOND PHASE OF THE TREATMENT.

In this specific clinical case I decided NOT  to request a second MRI, since I didn’t need to control the improvement of the condyle disc complex nor the bone marrow signal.

The patient had remission of symptoms, allowing us to move on to the SECOND STAGE OF THE NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL TREATMENT.

In the upper image we can observe from top to bottom:

Habitual occlusion of the patient before treatment.

Patient’s occlusion  with the DIO ( intraoral device)

Initiation of the  three-dimensional orthodontics, ALWAYS WITH DIO (intraoral device) built in neurophysiological position.

Installation of an upper removable expander.

Sequence in three-dimensional orthodontics with the expander and the movement of the first upper  premolar on the left side for the installation of a dental implant.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontics in this specific clinical case.

Sequence of the three-dimensional orthodontics in this specific clinical case and installation of the dental implant, because of the absence of the upper left canine.

The upper incisors were rehabilitated with resins to recover the aesthetics and functionality of the patient.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph:  control with the implant installed  and three-dimensional orthodontics during the neurophysiological treatment.

The DIO, (intraoral device) in neurophysiological position installed in the mouth during the Second Phase.

The lower incisors were rehabilitated with resins to recover the aesthetics and functionality of the patient.

The active eruption in the posterior sector was completed until the finalization of the second phase.

In this particular clinic case the active eruption sequence was not documented in images. For those who want to remember this THREE- DIMENTIONAL ORTHODONTICS I suggest to click on this link

The patient’s occlusion after neurophysiological treatment. First and second phase finished.

Patient’s comparative occlusion  images before and after the  neurophysiological treatment.

Upper and lower oclusal view of the patient after the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s comparative images of the upper and lower oclusal view before and after the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s panoramic radiograph after the first and second phase of the neurophysiological treatment.

Comparative panoramic radiographs: before treatment, during treatment and after completion of the three-dimensional orthodontics and neurophysiological rehabilitation.

Patient’s laminography after the first and second phase of the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s comparative lateral radiographs, before and after the neurophysiological treatment.

Patient’s comparative lateral radiograph and cervical spine before the FIRST PHASE and fter the finalization of the THREE DIMENSIONAL ORTHODONTICS and the NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL REABILITATION. 

In this case we cannot change a congenital fusion of the cervical vertebrae, but if we understand that there are myofascial chains that connect the TMJ to the body, we may then improve the three-dimensional location of the mandible and help the system. Naturally, the system is a whole and depending on each clinical case we will need the help help of professionals of different specialties.

Comparative frontal images of the patient: before and after the neurophysiological treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative profile images of the patient: before and after the neurophysiological treatment.

Some time ago, while searching for an orthodontic treatment for my first child, I got to know Clinica MY.

At that time my priority was in fact to search for a solution to correct a teeth problem that my son had. After some consultations at the clinic I met Dr. Lidia, which already in our firsts and brief talks, and because of some complaints that I shared with her, she diagnosed that I, much more than my son, had problems related to dysfunctions in the TMJ.

She told me that I needed to search for a treatment.

In that occasion I had many teeth problems as inferior and superior teeth wear, broken tips, crackling when chewing.

I had a lot of headaches, pain at the nape base and behind the eyes, and also pain on the back and shoulders. I also felt a pain sensation on my right eyebrow whenever I pass my hand on the forehead. It was something really strange and uncomfortable.

Happily this is something in the past. Thanks to the accurate diagnosis of Dr. Lidia and to the treatment that I followed strictly to the letter I am today free of those terrible symptoms.

I also would like to thank the careful work of Dr. Luis Daniel during all the treatment process and the attention and care that was given to me by all the Clinica MY team.