OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effects of manipulative reduction of cervical vertebrae combined with Pi needle release for the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

METHODSFrom March 2012 to May 2017, 60 patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction were treated by manipulative reduction of cervical vertebrae with Pi needle release, including 26 males and 34 females, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years old, with an average of 32.5 years old. The courses of the disease ranged from 1 week to 5 years, with a mean duration of 3 months. The patients were followed up before and after treatment by maximum active opening of temporomandibular joint, joint clicking and comparison of visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores.

RESULTSAll 60 patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 24 months, with an average of 12 months. The maximum active opening of temporomandibular joint increased from(1.99±0.47) cm before treatment to(3.17±0.19) cm. The joint clicking decreased from 100% before treatment to(27.33±13.51)% after treatment. The VAS score decreased from 4.73±0.67 before treatment to 1.80±0.53 after treatment.

CONCLUSIONSTreatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction by manipulative reduction of cervical vertebrae combined with Pi needle release has such advantages as easy operation, obvious curative effect, short course of treatment, which is an effective method for the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.