Evaluation of Plain Ultrasound Therapy versus Diclofenac Phonophoresis for the management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Abstract

Objective: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are one of the most common causes of Chronic orofacial pain. Management of TMD includes various invasive and non-invasive methods. The present study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of plain ultrasound therapy and 1% diclofenac gel phonophoresis in the management of TMDs. Materials and Methods: 50 subjects with pain in the TMJ region, falling in Research Diagnostic Criteria (Group I and II) for TMJ disorders and in the age group of 18-40 years were included in the study. Subjects were divided into 2 groups by simple randomization. Group A comprised of 25 Subjects who received plain Ultrasound therapy, while Group B comprised of 25 Subjects who received Diclofenac gel Phonophoresis. All the study subjects were asked to refrain from consuming any other analgesics and muscle relaxants until the completion of six sessions over a period of two weeks. Pre and Post treatment assessment of the subjects was carried out using visual analogue scale (VAS) for TMJ pain, Maximum Mouth opening (MMO) and Helkimo clinical dysfunctional Index (HI). Recurrence within a period of 3 months was recorded in both groups. Results: Intergroup comparisons of VAS, HI and MMO between pre and post treatment were analysed using Independent t-tests. The difference in the mean pre (T1) and post (T2) treatment pain VAS scores and Helkimo index (HI) in both the groups was statistically significant. Group B showed statistically significant reduction in the VAS scores, HI compared to Group A. There was no statistically significant difference in the recurrences among the two groups. Conclusion: The findings of present study showed that 1% Diclofenac phonophoresis was more effective than plain ultrasound therapy with regard to reduction of pain and functional ability of the TMJ.