A novel conservative modality in the management of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint- A case report

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint internal derangement (TMJ ID) may be managed by conservative means, minimally invasive methods, and/ or surgically. Conservative options include soft diet, pharmacotherapy, splints, physiotherapy, or topical administration of nutraceuticals, for elimination of TMJ ID symptoms. FIXIT is a topical ointment, consisting of plant-based ingredients; its specific components have been successful in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, these have not been applied for TMJ ID conditions (lacuna in literature). The aim of this study is, therefore, to evaluate the effectiveness of FIXIT in TMJ ID management by assessing TMJ pain, clicking sound and pain-free maximum mouth opening (MMO) in an 18-year-old male. The patient complained of right TMJ pain (VAS- 8) on mouth opening, and loud clicking sounds, with pain-free MMO of 19 mm pre-treatment. Post-topical therapy (after 3 weeks) with FIXIT, significant reduction in TMJ pain (VAS- 0) and joint sounds (absent- 0), with improved MMO (47 mm) was noted. No recurrence of symptoms was observed after 3 months of follow-up. FIXIT has been effective in alleviating TMJ ID symptoms, thereby enhancing overall jaw function. Its ability to eliminate clicking sounds was found to be an unprecedented finding; suggesting it’ novelty as a non-surgical intervention for TMJ ID.