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Cranio-Mandibular Disorders after Whiplash Injury: A Mono-Institutional Clinical Study on 31 Patients

Author

Listed:
  • Massimo Corsalini

    (Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, p.za G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Saverio Capodiferro

    (Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, p.za G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Fabio dell’Olio

    (Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, p.za G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Giovanni Albanese

    (Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, p.za G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Nicola Quaranta

    (Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, p.za G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Biagio Solarino

    (Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, p.za G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Santo Catapano

    (Dental School, Dental Clinic, University of Ferrara, c.so Giovecca, 203, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Daniela Di Venere

    (Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, p.za G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Whiplash is a consequence of traumatic injuries, mostly related to road accidents, with variable clinical manifestations, also known as Whiplash Associated Disorders, such as neck, head and temporo-cranio-mandibular pain. Methods: The current study aims to evaluate the onset and evolution of temporomandibular joint pain in people with whiplash in a study group treated with the use of Zimmer Collars (adjustable rigid cervical collars for neck immobilization), as compared to a control group. This prospective study included 31 patients followed by the Dental Prosthesis Department of the University of Bari “Aldo Moro”: 20 patients with whiplash (age range: 20–39 years) treated with Zimmer collars and 11 patients with whiplash (age range: 20–33 years) who were not. Immediately after the whiplash occurred, a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to describe the intensity of pain and to complete the chart of the European Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders. Five out of twenty patients, already treated with a Zimmer collar, wore an occlusal splint as well because of persistent pain reported at the 28-day and 60-day follow-up and were supported by pharmacological therapy with analgesics (paracetamol) and muscle relaxants (thiocolchicoside). Results: During the last follow-up (at six months), three out of five patients displayed a residual VAS score of 3, 4, and 5, respectively, while the remaining two displayed a VAS of 0. In the control group, four out of eleven patients needed to wear an occlusal splint but without muscle relaxants and analgesics pharmacological therapy; these four corresponded to the patients showing a residual painful symptomatology, with VAS reaching value of 2, and also were the oldest patients of the group. Data regarding VAS values and Zimmer collar use, both at the first visit and six months later, were statistically analyzed. Conclusion: Our prospective study highlights how whiplash-associated acute disorders are often self-limiting over a period of few months, thus reducing the possibility of symptom chronicity; the latter seems to be strictly related to lesion severity, pre-existence of a craniomandibular dysfunction and patient age, but appears to be independent from Zimmer collar use, as statistically confirmed.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimo Corsalini & Saverio Capodiferro & Fabio dell’Olio & Giovanni Albanese & Nicola Quaranta & Biagio Solarino & Santo Catapano & Daniela Di Venere, 2022. "Cranio-Mandibular Disorders after Whiplash Injury: A Mono-Institutional Clinical Study on 31 Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-10, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:901-:d:724552
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