Abstract
To clarify the features of acute closed lock of the temporomandibular joint we compared
the clinical condition of patients with acute and chronic closed lock, and investigated
the natural history of acute closed lock. Forty patients with unilateral acute closed
lock who were given no treatment and 40 patients with unilateral chronic closed lock
were enrolled in the study.
The duration of locking in those with acute closed lock ranged from 1 to 7 days, and
that of those with chronic closed lock from 3 to 4 months. Differences between the
groups in sex, age, maximum mouth opening, and joint pain were analysed. In those
with acute closed lock who had had no treatment, maximum mouth opening and joint pain
were measured at the initial visit and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The number of
dysfunctional joints was counted during each period and the natural course of the
acute closed lock investigated. There were more women and older patients among those
with chronic, than among those with acute, closed lock. We found no significant differences
in the symptoms in the two groups. After 2 weeks of allowing the acute closed lock
to take its natural course only 15 of the 40 had not resolved successfully, and after
12 weeks of taking its natural course only 2 had been unsuccessful. The number of
joints that did not resolve successfully decreased progressively over time. Any treatment
for acute closed lock should be easier and more effective than that of following its
natural course.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 28, 2011
Accepted:
October 31,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
