Hi everyone! Welcome to the first news round-up on our new site! It is definitely starting to be winter here in Atlanta.. this week it was in the 30’s one night! Today, however, it was absolutely beautiful.
So let’s get started with today’s news round-up. We’ve got some chronic pain related news, and as always, some TMJ disorder studies and research, too.
Glucosamine sulfate’s effect on signs & symptoms of osteoarthritis in the TMJ – This study compared glucosamine sulfate and placebo in patients with osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular joints. The patients rated their pain and ability to open their mouths at the end of the six week trial, and there were no differences found. The patients still had the same amount of pain and the same issues with opening their mouths as they had before the glucosamine. Source
Comparison of arthrocentesis with or without additional drugs – 72 patients with jaw pain lasting longer than six months received a single TMJ arthrocentesis or weekly arthrocenteses with hylauronic acid or corticosteroid. At the three month follow-up, there were no significant differences between the groups (none of the groups felt better than the others). The recommendation in the end was that there need to be more studies with longer follow-up time. Source.
Arthroscopic lysis & lavage vs. operative arthroscopy in treatment of internal derangement of the TMJ – 458 patients had a TMJ arthroscopy, with some having an operative arthroscopy (this is the type of arthroscopy that we hear about most, where the surgeon goes into the joint with the camera and clears out any adhesions) and others having an arthroscopic lysis and lavage, which is a type of arthroscopy that washes out the joint. Both types of arthroscopy decreased pain during the 2 year follow-up period. There was no significant difference between the two types – they both relieved pain and helped the patients with their openings. However, the patients that had the highest decrease in pain and the highest increase in mouth opening were the patients that had what is called a “Wilkes Stage IV” internal derangement. Wilkes Stage IV is a chronic closed lock. The study authors believe that these patients are the best candidates for arthroscopic surgery. Source.
Positive Expectations Boost Pain Relieving Properties of Opioids – According to a new study, your expectations of a treatment may significantly impact how it actually works. Interesting stuff! Source.
Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
[box type=”note”]DId you know that we have a fundraiser raffle going on right now? There are over 40 items you can win (including pillows, heating packs, etc). By entering the raffle, you’re supporting TMJ Hope and helping us grow. Click here to learn more.[/box]
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