Orthopedic joint stability influences growth and maxillary development: clinical aspects

Abstract

Orthopedic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) instability is very common among children and adults. It is often associated with pain in the cervicofacial region, and muscle contraction. To investigate whether muscle contraction can cause permanent posterior rotation of the head and whether treatment with splint and kinetotherapy is efficient, a literature review was carried out of patients with pain in the cervicofacial area. Additionally, the case of a 15-year old patient presenting with permanent posterior rotation of cra¬nium, with no movement between the first two vertebra and pain in the cervicofacial area was reported. Kinetotherapy followed by rapid maxillary expansion improved the function of cervical vertebrae and re¬duced the cervicofacial pain within the first two weeks. Kinetotherapy, rapid maxillary expansion, and or¬thodontic treatment with a stable joint position could be a good therapy to control occipital-atlas function.

Keywords: cervicofacial pain; occipital-atlas fusion; orthopedic TMJ instability.