A novel vibratory stimulation-based splint for chronic and untreatable masticatory myofascial pain: A case-series

Aim: This clinical report aimed to introduce a novel vibratory stimulation-based occlusal splint (VibS) for management of chronic and untreatable masticatory myofascial pain (MMFP). Methods: This study was conducted on four chronic MMFP patients (mean age: 27.5. ± 5.56 years, females) who were diagnosed according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD), and who were using stabilization splints for more than 6 months and still complained of pain above 40. mm in a 100-mm VAS scale. The included subjects utilized the active VibS and subsequently the inactive VibS during 30 days in each trial, separated by a wash-out period of at least 8 months. VAS pain levels were the only measured dependent variable, and were recorded before and after the use of active VibS and inactive VibS. Results: At baseline, mean VAS pain levels before using the active or inactive splint were 54.5. ± 19.8. mm and 44.0. ± 13.6. mm, respectively. After using the active VibS, mean pain level decreased by 77% (VASpos-pre. = -42.0. ± 30.3. mm). On the other hand, after using the inactive VibS, severe pain aggravation of 67% in magnitude was observed (VASpos-pre. = +29.5. ± 21.5. mm). Conclusion: This case-series study demonstrated a good tendency of this novel VibS in chronic MMFP alleviation after a 4-week management period compared to a control inactive VibS.