A Case Report of Effect of Physical Therapy on Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Following Mandibular Symphyseal Fracture

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction following Mandibular fractures can lead to limitation of jaw movement especially month opening, pain, and muscular atrophy. In this regard, the current study aimed to determine the effect of manual mobilization along with other physiotherapy modalities on the improved function of TMJ in a patient with Mandibular symphyseal fracture.

A 16-year-old girl with a complaint of  severe jaw pain and disability of mouth opening was referred to physical therapy clinic of Besat Hospital affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The patient underwent an open surgical treatment due to mandibular symphyseal fracture. A visual analog scale was used for the measurement of pain intensity and the maximal mouth opening was obtained by measuring the distance of the maxillary and mandibular central incisal edges using a dental ruler scaled in millimeters. Thereafter, physical therapy treatment was administered to both TM joints for five sessions every other day. The physiotherapy sessions included Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, hot pack, and Maitland manual mobilization techniques. The patient demonstrated significant reduction in pain and improved maximal mouth opening upon the completion of 5-session physical therapy treatment.

Physical therapy treatment which includes physical modalities along with manual mobilization techniques may be an effective method in the management of TMJ dysfunctions following mandibular symphyseal fracture leading to faster improvement in the function of this joint.