Efficacy of stabilisation splint and low-level laser therapy for patients with chronic closed lock from non-reducible displaced temporo-mandibular joint discs: A parallel randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Stabilisation splint therapy (SST) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are effective-invasive treatment for temporo-mandibular disorder (TMD) patients. However, the specific efficacy of each therapy in patients with chronic closed lock (CCL) from temporo-mandibular joints (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of SST and LLLT alone or in combination in patients with CCL from TMJ DDwoR. METHODS: This parallel randomised clinical trial included 42 patients who were diagnosed with CCL from TMJ DDwoR. Patients were allocated equally and randomly into three treatment groups: group I received combined SST and LLLT, group II received LLLT and group III received SST. Maximum mouth opening (MMO), visual analogue scale (VAS), muscle and joint palpation scores and time required to achieve normal state were evaluated at baseline, 1, 2, 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Data were collected and analysed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Regarding MMO and VAS, a statistically significant improvement was found between group I versus group II and versus group III at all evaluation times. Regarding muscle and joint palpation scores, a statistically significant difference was found between group I versus group III, while non-significant difference was found between group I and group II. A statistically significant faster improvement was found in group I versus group III and versus group II. CONCLUSION: All treatment modalities can be effective in management of CCL from a TMJ DDwoR cases, but the combined SST and LLLT group seems to provide the best and quickest improvement. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05548894.