Management of Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis using Low Level Laser Therapy method

Background: Many studies have recommend using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in pain reduction in acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Objective: To clinically evaluate the effectiveness and validity of (LLLT) for management symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. Methodology: A clinical study included patients with TMJ arthritis signs and symptoms, were randomly categorized into two groups of ten patients each. Patients of the first group were subjected to pre adjusted (LLLT) over four weeks together with NSAIDs. Patients were evaluated clinically according to following groups:
(T1) before any treatment
(T2) after six sessions of laser therapy application.
(T3) after 12 laser therapy sessions applications.
(T4) one month after the last session application.
The second group received only (NSAIDs). They were evaluated at the same time intervals of the first group.
Evaluation criteria were:
• Maximum mouth opening which measured in mm using ruler.
• Presence or absence of pain at TMJ area. The VAS method was used to quantify pain at TMJ area with palpation.
Results: Evaluation of maximum mouth opening in mm showed highly marked significant clinical improvement In (LLLT and NSAIDs) group. The same clinical improvement was noted in (NSAIDs) group.Comparison of results between the two groups showed a marked significant clinical improvement in pain reduction in favor of the (LLLT and NSAIDs) group during all evaluation periods. Same clinical improvement in pain reduction in favor for (LLLT and NSAIDs) group was noted in (VAS).Conclusion. (LLLT) in patients with TMJ arthritis is safe and effective technique to be used.