The effect of temporomandibular joint manipulation on symmetry of movement

Abstract : Background: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a well-researched set of conditions that affects the temporomandibular joint and all the soft tissue involved in allowing the joint to function optimally. It is a condition that is seen in many patients. The different causes and treatment protocols have been well researched, with specific focus on pain management and the relief/removal of any audible clicks when opening or closing the jaw. There has been little research performed on the effect asymmetrical movement of the jaw might play in causing the pain and crepitus with jaw movement or whether the asymmetrical movement can be corrected without the use of invasive surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect chiropractic manipulation will have on the symmetry of movement of the temporomandibular joint, by determining if there would have been a decrease (in millimeters) from the midline, as determined by a 3D motion sensor in patients who have asymmetry of temporomandibular joint movement. Method: This study comprised of two groups of 15 participants each, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years of age of both genders. Potential participants were examined and accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Treatment methods applied to the participants were determined by the group into which they were allocated. Group A received chiropractic manipulation, while group B received sham manipulation. Procedure: Treatment consisted of 4 treatments, with a fifth and final one being used for final data collection, over a period of two to three weeks. Objective data was collected at the beginning of the first, third and fifth visits. The objective data was collected using a 3D motion sensor camera (Microsoft Kinect™ V1 for Windows) and data analysis software (Faceshift). The participants were treated with the use of a chiropractic manipulation to the temporomandibular joint. The joint manipulated was determined by motion palpation of the temporomandibular joint. The chiropractic manipulation was performed on the first and third visits. Results: There was a definite clinical improvement of asymmetrical jaw movement, in Group A, with lateral deviation either to left or right being corrected back to the midline, or improved, so that the deviation was not as pronounced. Group B failed to show any improvement throughout the study. iv Conclusion: The changes seen in Group A indicates that, a chiropractic manipulation to the temporomandibular joint, may improve asymmetrical joint movement. The study also demonstrated the potential use of a 3D motion sensor camera with data analysis software as a diagnostic tool, further research into this should be done.M.Tech. (Chiropractic