This study aims to improve clinical efficiency and effectiveness in treating Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). The researchers will integrate machine learning technology with clinical examination data, CBCT, and MRI to identify the core underlying issues of each patient. Based on this precise, AI-assisted diagnosis, the study will implement a tailored treatment framework. The final goal is to develop predictive algorithms that can determine MRI necessity while ensuring that clinical interventions are highly targeted, efficient, and successful.
This study integrates machine learning with a clinical trial framework to optimize the evaluation and management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). A total of 180 eligible participants are expected to be enrolled in the study. To ensure a homogenous sample, strict screening will be conducted using standardized psychometric scales; patients with significant psychosocial confounders (defined as GAD-7 ≥10, PHQ-9 ≥15, PHQ-15 ≥10, or PSQI \>5) or comorbidities such as fibromyalgia, rheumatic autoimmune diseases, and trauma history will be excluded. Prior to treatment, baseline clinical examination, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data will be collected. All clinical data and longitudinal pre- and post-treatment MRI findings will be utilized to train advanced multi-modal diagnostic models; based on this foundational intelligence, predictive algorithms will then be developed to determine the necessity of an MRI scan using only clinical data and CBCT images. The enrolled participants will be divided by active maximum mouth opening into two subgroups (≤30 mm and \>30 mm) and randomly assigned to three treatment arms: (1) Proprioceptive Training + Sham + LLLT (2 weeks of sham laser followed by 2 weeks of active laser acupuncture); (2) Proprioceptive Training + LLLT + LLLT (4 weeks of active laser acupuncture); and (3) Waiting List Control (receiving standard conservative care only).Proprioceptive training includes gentle teeth tapping, tongue-to-palate contact, and neutral head-neck posture exercises, performed three times daily. LLLT targets the Xiaguan (ST7), Yifeng (SJ17), and bilateral Fengchi (GB20) points once weekly. Assessments will be conducted biweekly during treatment, with final evaluation at 4 weeks and follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-treatment. Post-treatment MRI will be performed at the 4-week endpoint to evaluate objective intra-articular and perimuscular soft-tissue changes, correlating with improvements in pain resolution efficiency and mandibular range of motion recovery.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
180
Laser acupuncture targets the Xiaguan (ST7), Yifeng (SJ17), and bilateral Fengchi (GB20) points once weekly. For the LLLT+LLLT group, active laser is given for 4 weeks. For the Sham+LLLT group, sham laser is given for the first 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of active laser.
Includes gentle teeth tapping, tongue-to-palate contact, and neutral head-neck posture exercises, performed three times daily for 4 weeks.
Standard conservative clinical care utilizing a hard acrylic flat-plane stabilization splint (centric stabilization splint) for TMD management. The splint is customized to provide even, bilateral occlusal contact in the musculoskeletal stable position during the 4-week trial period.
Tenderness of Masticatory Muscles and Periarticular Temporomandibular Joint Pain
Evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 0-10, to measure pain intensity upon palpation of the masticatory muscles and the periarticular structures of the temporomandibular joint.
Time frame: Baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks (endpoint), and long-term follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
Pain-Free Mandibular Active Range of Motion
Measured as the maximum active mouth opening (maximum unassisted pain-free opening) in millimeters using a calibrated ruler.
Time frame: Baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks (endpoint), and long-term follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
Jaw Functional Limitation Scale - 20 (JFLS-20)
The Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20) is a 20-item patient-reported questionnaire assessing jaw functional limitation during the previous month. Each item is rated from 0 (no limitation) to 10 (severe limitation). Domain scores are calculated as the mean of completed items for mastication (items 1-6), vertical jaw mobility (items 7-10), and verbal and non-verbal communication (items 11-20). The overall JFLS-20 score is the mean of the three domain scores. Scores range from 0 to 10; higher scores indicate greater jaw functional limitation and a worse outcome. A domain score is calculated when no more than 2 mastication items, 1 mobility item, or 2 communication items are missing.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks (endpoint), and long-term follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
Cervical active range of motion (AROM) limitation
Cervical AROM of flexion, extension, left/right rotation, and left/right lateral flexion is measured using a plastic universal goniometer in degrees from 0-80/40/45 etc. For reporting purposes, each movement is categorized as "normal", "limited", or "no movement", based on predefined cutoffs (e.g., rotation ≥80° = normal; 40-79° = limited; \<40° = no movement). The outcome is the proportion of participants with limited cervical AROM at each time point.
Time frame: Baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks (endpoint), and long-term follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
MRI T2-Weighted Soft Tissue Assessment
T2-weighted MRI scans were compared with T1-weighted images to identify joint effusion, disc displacement, perimuscular/intramuscular edema, and muscle hemorrhage.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 4 weeks (post-treatment endpoint).
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