The reliability and validity of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis magnetic resonance scoring system for temporomandibular joints.

In children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be involved. To prevent TMJ damage due to inflammation, early recognition is important, for which contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard. In this study, the interobserver reliability and construct validity of the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Scoring System for Temporomandibular Joints (JAMRIS-TMJ) was assessed. Two radiologists independently examined 38 MRIs using the JAMRIS-TMJ scoring system. Inter-observer reliability was assessed by Cohen's (weighted) kappa (κ), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and absolute agreement (%). Construct validity was assessed by correlation between the JAMRIS-TMJ items and TMJ involvement, active maximum interincisal mouth opening (AMIO), and anterior maximum voluntary bite force (AMVBF). The interobserver reliability for the JAMRIS-TMJ items varied from poor to good (κ = 0.18-0.61). Joint enhancement had the highest reliability (κ = 0.61). Correlations were found between TMJ involvement, AMIO, and the JAMRIS-TMJ items, although variation between radiologists and TMJ side existed. No correlation was found between AMVBF and the JAMRIS-TMJ items for both radiologists. The strongest correlations were found between most of the JAMRIS-TMJ items and AMIO. Our findings support the utility of AMIO as a clinical measure of TMJ status in children with JIA.

Reliability of mandibular range of motion measurements in healthy children.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular range of motion (MROM) variables are widely used to evaluate oral function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the reliability of MROM variables in healthy children. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, healthy children were examined 2 weeks apart. The following MROM variables were established: active maximum interincisal opening (AMIO), passive maximum interincisal opening (PMIO), protrusion and left and right laterotrusion. The reliability of the MROM measurements was determined by analysing the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable change (SDC) and limits of agreement (LoA). RESULTS: A total of 167 healthy children were examined. The ICC indicated good reliability for AMIO (0.885); excellent reliability for PMIO (0.925); and moderate reliability for protrusion (0.578), laterotrusion left (0.601) and laterotrusion right (0.634). The SDC was 0.9 mm for AMIO, 0.4 mm for PMIO, 2.2 mm for protrusion, 1.6 mm for laterotrusion left and 1.4 mm for laterotrusion right. The LoA was -5.67 to 5.82 for AMIO, -3.90 to 3.57 for PMIO, -3.89 to 3.55 for protrusion, -2.99 to 2.77 for laterotrusion left, and - 2.71 to 2.77 for laterotrusion right. CONCLUSIONS: AMIO and PMIO measurements are both highly reliable in healthy children. The low SDC indicate that AMIO and PMIO are promising longitudinal measurements. Protrusion and laterotrusion measurements had moderate reliability. These results support our clinical recommendation to measure AMIO rather than PMIO, as PMIO is more difficult and more time-consuming to perform than AMIO.

Guidance on mucositis assessment from the MASCC Mucositis Study Group and ISOO: an international Delphi study.

Background: Mucositis is a common and highly impactful side effect of conventional and emerging cancer therapy and thus the subject of intense investigation. Although common practice, mucositis assessment is heterogeneously adopted and poorly guided, impacting evidence synthesis and translation. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Mucositis Study Group (MSG) therefore aimed to establish expert recommendations for how existing mucositis assessment tools should be used, in clinical care and trials contexts, to improve the consistency of mucositis assessment. Methods: This study was conducted over two stages (January 2022-July 2023). The first phase involved a survey to MASCC-MSG members (January 2022-May 2022), capturing current practices, challenges and preferences. These then informed the second phase, in which a set of initial recommendations were prepared and refined using the Delphi method (February 2023-May 2023). Consensus was defined as agreement on a parameter by >80% of respondents. Findings: Seventy-two MASCC-MSG members completed the first phase of the study (37 females, 34 males, mainly oral care specialists). High variability was noted in the use of mucositis assessment tools, with a high reliance on clinician assessment compared to patient reported outcome measures (PROMs, 47% vs 3%, 37% used a combination). The World Health Organization (WHO) and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) scales were most commonly used to assess mucositis across multiple settings. Initial recommendations were reviewed by experienced MSG members and following two rounds of Delphi survey consensus was achieved in 91 of 100 recommendations. For example, in patients receiving chemotherapy, the recommended tool for clinician assessment in clinical practice is WHO for oral mucositis (89.5% consensus), and WHO or CTCAE for gastrointestinal mucositis (85.7% consensus). The recommended PROM in clinical trials is OMD/WQ for oral mucositis (93.3% consensus), and PRO-CTCAE for gastrointestinal mucositis (83.3% consensus). Interpretation: These new recommendations provide much needed guidance on mucositis assessment and may be applied in both clinical practice and research to streamline comparison and synthesis of global data sets, thus accelerating translation of new knowledge into clinical practice. Funding: No funding was received.

The effect of physical exercise during radiotherapy on physical performance in patients with head and neck cancer: a trial within cohorts study protocol, the vital study.

BACKGROUND: During the last decade, twelve studies have been published investigating physical exercise interventions (PEIs) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) during radiotherapy (RT), chemoradiation (CRT) or bioradiation (BRT). These studies showed that these PEIs are safe and feasible. However, only two of these studies were randomised clinical trials (RCTs) with a satisfying sample size. Thereby, there is no cost-effectiveness study related to a PEI during RT, CRT or BRT ((C/B)RT) for patients with HNC. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate and compare physical performance, muscle strength, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), body mass index (BMI), nutritional status, physical activity, treatment tolerability, and health care related costs in patients with HNC with and without a 10 week PEI during (C/B)RT. METHODS: This study, based on a trial within cohorts (TwiCs) design, will contain a prospective cohort of at least 112 patients. Fifty-six patients will randomly be invited for an experimental 10 week PEI. This PEI consists of both resistance and endurance exercises to optimize physical performance, muscle strength, fatigue, QoL, BMI, nutritional status, physical activity, and treatment tolerability of (C/B)RT. Measurements are at baseline, after 12 weeks, 6 months, and at 12 months. Statistical analyses will be performed for intention-to-treat and instrumental variable analysis. DISCUSSION: This study seeks to investigate physical, QoL, and economic implications of a PEI. With a substantial sample size, this study attempts to strengthen and expand knowledge in HNC care upon PEI during (C/B)RT. In conclusion, this study is dedicated to provide additional evidence for PEI in patients with HNC during (C/B)RT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with number NCT05988060 on 3 August 2023.

Masticatory function in edentulous patients wearing implant overdentures after graftless maxillary sinus membrane elevation.

BACKGROUND: Graftless sinus floor augmentation shows good results in bone gain, radiology and implant survival. Clinically, this technique can be recommended as an alternative to conventional procedures using augmentation materials. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess masticatory performance, masticatory ability and patient satisfaction after graftless sinus floor augmentation. METHODS: The study group consisted of patients who had received a graftless sinus lift procedure in a split-mouth design and was compared to patients with maxillary implant-supported overdentures without augmentation and a natural dentition group. To assess objective masticatory performance, the mixing ability test was performed. Three questionnaires were used to assess patient reported outcomes related to mastication and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Each group included ten patients. Both the graftless sinus lift group and the edentulous control group had a worse masticatory performance compared to the natural dentition group. Masticatory ability, measured by patient reported outcomes, was not different between the graftless sinus floor augmentation group and implant-retained overdentures group without augmentation, but the natural dentition group showed better results. Thereby, the better the masticatory performance in patients with a graftless sinus membrane elevation the better the patient satisfaction for 'prosthesis', 'appearance of prostheses', 'speech' and 'mastication and eating'. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with implant-supported overdentures show inferior masticatory function compared to those with natural dentition. There were no significant differences in masticatory performance between patients with implant-retained overdentures, with or without graftless augmentation. The decision on the preferred procedure should consider additional factors such as anatomical, surgical-technical aspects and patient's preferences.

Expectations and Experiences of Participating in a Supervised and Home-Based Physical Exercise Intervention in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer during Chemoradiotherapy: A Qualitative Study.

(1) Background: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with severe toxicity resulting in fatigue and weight loss, including loss of skeletal muscle mass. Exercise interventions might positively affect physical fitness and quality of life. Sufficient adherence and compliance rates are necessary for optimal effects. This study aimed to gain insight into expectations and experiences and factors influencing adherence, retention and compliance of HNC patients participating in exercise intervention during CRT. (2) Methods: Consecutive participants were invited for semi-structured interviews, conducted pre- and post-intervention. A deductive approach was used to identify themes and factors influencing adherence, retention and compliance. (3) Results: Thematic saturation was reached after interviewing 14 patients pre-intervention. Five themes were identified: planning and time management, treatment toxicity, motivation to exercise, exercise intervention and supervision by a physiotherapist. The intensity of the treatment schedule and treatment toxicity were important barriers. Facilitators mentioned were physical and emotional benefits, social support as well as the simplicity and home-based setting of the intervention. (4) Conclusions: A personalised approach, considering the individual facilitators and barriers of HNC patients, is important to increase adherence, retention and compliance to exercise intervention and to reap the optimal effects of the program.

Prophylactic pectoralis major flap to compensate for increased risk of pharyngocutaneous fistula in laryngectomy patients with low skeletal muscle mass (PECTORALIS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total laryngectomy (TL) is a surgical procedure commonly performed on patients with advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma. One of the most common postoperative complications following TL is the development of a pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), characterized by a communication between the neopharynx and the skin. PCF can lead to extended hospital stays, delayed oral feeding, and compromised quality of life. The use of a myofascial pectoralis major flap (PMMF) as an onlay technique during pharyngeal closure has shown potential in reducing PCF rates in high risk patients for development of PCF such as patients undergoing TL after chemoradiation and low skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Its impact on various functional outcomes, such as shoulder and neck function, swallowing function, and voice quality, remains less explored. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of PMMF in reducing PCF rates in patients with low SMM and its potential consequences on patient well-being. METHODS: This multicenter study adopts a randomized clinical trial (RCT) design and is funded by the Dutch Cancer Society. Eligible patients for TL, aged ≥ 18 years, mentally competent, and proficient in Dutch, will be enrolled. One hundred and twenty eight patients with low SMM will be centrally randomized to receive TL with or without PMMF, while those without low SMM will undergo standard TL. Primary outcome measurement involves assessing PCF rates within 30 days post-TL. Secondary objectives include evaluating quality of life, shoulder and neck function, swallowing function, and voice quality using standardized questionnaires and functional tests. Data will be collected through electronic patient records. DISCUSSION: This study's significance lies in its exploration of the potential benefits of using PMMF as an onlay technique during pharyngeal closure to reduce PCF rates in TL patients with low SMM. By assessing various functional outcomes, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of PMMF deployment. The anticipated results will contribute valuable insights into optimizing surgical techniques to enhance patient outcomes and inform future treatment strategies for TL patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NL8605, registered on 11-05-2020; International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).

Anatomical position of the mandibular condyle after open versus closed treatment of unilateral fractures: A three-dimensional analysis.

This study aimed to compare open and closed treatment for unilateral mandibular condyle neck and base fractures by final three-dimensional (3D) condylar position at 6 months follow-up. 3D position was associated with mandibular functioning and pain. A total of 21 patients received open (n = 11) or closed (n = 10) treatment. 3D positions were assessed on cone-beam computed tomography scans. Volume differences, root mean square, translations, and rotations were obtained related to the pursued anatomical position and compared between treatment groups by the Mann-Whitney U test. The 3D position parameters were associated with the maximum interincisal opening (MIO), mixing ability test (MAT), Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), and pain based on Spearman correlation coefficients (rs). Translation in the medial-lateral direction was smaller after open treatment (P = 0.014). 3D position was not associated with the MAT; however, worse position was associated with a smaller MIO. A larger pitch rotation was associated with a worse MFIQ (rs = 0.499, P = 0.025). Volume reduction of the affected condyle was associated with more pain (rs = -0.503, P = 0.020). In conclusion, after unilateral condylar fractures, worse 3D position is associated with a smaller mouth opening and worse patient-reported outcomes. This is independent of the chosen treatment, despite a better anatomical reduction after open treatment.

Swallowing after Oral Oncological Treatment: A Five-Year Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Swallowing rehabilitation in curative treated patients with oral cancer is still a challenge. Different factors may influence these patients' swallowing function. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with swallowing function up to 5 years after cancer treatment. METHODS: Swallowing duration and frequency of 5 mL water and 15 mL applesauce were measured in 123 patients treated for oral cancer. Mixed model analyses were performed to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Age influenced all measured swallowing outcomes. Assessment moment, gender, tumor location, maximum tongue force, and tactile sensory function of the tongue were associated with both water and applesauce swallowing duration, tumor classification was associated with water swallowing duration, and alcohol consumption was associated with applesauce swallowing duration. Assessment moment, cancer treatment, maximum tongue force, and tactile sensory function of the tongue were associated with water and applesauce swallowing frequency. CONCLUSION: Patients who are older at diagnosis, women, and patients who regularly consume alcohol before their treatment may have poorer swallow functioning after curative oral cancer treatment. Patients that fit these criteria should have their swallowing evaluated during clinical follow-ups and sent to swallowing therapy when needed. During this therapy, optimizing tongue function needs attention to maintain an optimal swallowing function.

The extent of unnecessary tooth loss due to extractions prior to radiotherapy based on radiation field and dose in patients with head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prior to radiotherapy (RT), teeth with poor prognosis that pose a risk for post-RT osteoradionecrosis (ORN) are removed. To allow enough time for adequate wound healing prior to RT, decisions are made based on the estimated radiation dose. This study aimed to gain insight into (1) the overall number of teeth extracted and (2) the patient and tumor characteristics associated with the number of redundantly extracted teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), treated with RT between 2015 and 2019, were included in this cross-sectional study. For each extracted tooth the radiation dose was calculated retrospectively. The cut-off point for valid extraction was set at ≥ 40 Gy in accordance with the national protocol. Potential factors for doses ≥ 40 Gy were identified, including age, sex, tumor location, tumor (T) and nodal stage (N), overall tumor stage and number of teeth extracted. RESULTS: A total of 1759 teeth were removed from 358 patients. Of these 1759 teeth, 1274 (74%) appeared to have been removed redundantly, based on the mean dose (Dmean) of < 40 Gy. Using the maximum dose (Dmax) of < 40 Gy, 1080 teeth (61%) appeared to have been removed redundantly. Tumor location and N-classification emerged as the most important associative variables in the multivariable regression analysis. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge this is the first study to provide insight into the amount of teeth redundantly extracted prior to RT and represents a step forward in de-escalating the damage to the masticatory system prior to RT.

Two or four implants for maxillary overdentures in edentulous patients: 1-year results of a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary implant overdenture therapy is a good treatment option for treating patients experiencing problems with their conventional maxillary denture. Retaining the overdenture with four implants and a bar attachment system serves as the current gold standard. However, there is a demand for less costly and less invasive treatment options. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare marginal bone level change (MBLC), implant and overdenture survival, clinical, masticatory, and patient-related outcomes (PROMs) of maxillary implant overdentures with either two or four implants and a bar attachment system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty edentulous participants were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 20), to receive either two or four implants in the maxilla. After healing, all the participants received an implant overdenture retained by a bar attachment system. All the participants were evaluated 1 and 12 months after overdenture placement. The primary outcome was MBLC. Secondary outcomes were implant and overdenture survival, clinical, masticatory, and PROMs. The outcomes were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: MBLC was -0.03 mm in the 2-implant group and -0.16 mm in the 4-implant group (p = 0.21). Implant survival was 83.3% in the 2-implant group and 94.4% in the 4-implant group (p = 0.03). The median pocket depth change and clinical outcomes were low, and masticatory performance along with PROMs improved in both groups and did not differ significantly between them. CONCLUSION: Maxillary 4-implant overdentures perform better than maxillary 2-implant overdentures with a bar attachment system in terms of implant and overdenture survival and therefore remains the gold standard. However, both overdentures perform similarly in terms of MBLC, clinical, masticatory, and PROMs.

Clinically Established Temporomandibular Involvement in Adults With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical variables defining temporomandibular function in adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and healthy controls. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) screening protocol, mandibular range of motion (MROM), and anterior maximum voluntary bite force (AMVBF) were compared between adults with JIA and healthy controls. Unadjusted and adjusted models with corrections for sex and disease duration were constructed for active maximum interincisal mouth opening (AMIO) and AMVBF. RESULTS: A total of 100 adults with JIA and 59 healthy adults were included in this study. In adults with JIA, 56% had clinically established TMJ involvement. AMIO was the MROM variable most reduced by TMJ involvement; AMIO was 8.8 mm (95% CI -11.40 to -6.12; P < 0.001) less in adults with JIA with TMJ involvement compared to JIA without TMJ involvement. No differences of AMIO were found between healthy adults and adults with JIA without TMJ involvement (-2.52, 95% CI -5.13 to 0.10; P = 0.06). Male sex was associated with a higher AMIO, and disease duration was associated with a decreased AMIO. Collinearity between the subtype prebiologic era and disease duration was found. AMVBF did not differ between adults with JIA and healthy adults. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of clinically established TMJ involvement in adults with JIA indicates the need for awareness of TMJ problems in adults with JIA. TMJ involvement negatively influenced AMIO and should therefore be part of the TMJ screening in adults with JIA. AMVBF seems to have less utility for TMJ screening in adult populations.

Automatic grading of patients with a unilateral facial paralysis based on the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System - A deep learning study based on a convolutional neural network.

PURPOSE: In order to assess the severity and the progression of a unilateral peripheral facial palsy the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) is a well-established grading system due to its clinical relevance, sensitivity, and robust measuring method. However, training is required in order to achieve a high inter-rater reliability. This study investigated the automated grading of facial palsy patients based on the SFGS using a convolutional neural network. METHODS: A total of 116 patients with a unilateral peripheral facial palsy and 9 healthy subjects were recorded performing the Sunnybrook poses. A separate model was trained for each of the 13 elements of the SFGS and then used to calculate the Sunnybrook subscores and composite score. The performance of the automated grading system was compared to three clinicians experienced in the grading of a facial palsy. RESULTS: The inter-rater reliability of the convolutional neural network was within the range of human observers, with an average intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.87 for the composite Sunnybrook score, 0.45 for the resting symmetry subscore, 0.89 for the symmetry of voluntary movement subscore, and 0.77 for the synkinesis subscore. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the potential of the automated SFGS to be implemented in a clinical setting. The automated grading system adhered to the original SFGS, which makes the implementation and interpretation of the automated grading more straightforward. The automated system can be implemented in numerous settings such as online consults in an e-Health environment, since the model used 2D images captured from a video recording.

Psychosocial factors associated with pain outcomes in patients with painful temporomandibular disorders and headaches.

The objective of this study was to assess the association between psychosocial factors (in terms of anxiety, somatization, depression, and optimism) and pain (in terms of headache pain intensity and pain-related disability), in patients with a painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and one of the following headache types: migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), or headache attributed to TMD, corrected for the influence of bruxism. A retrospective study was conducted at an orofacial pain and dysfunction (OPD) clinic. Inclusion criteria were painful TMD, with migraine, TTH, and/or headache attributed to TMD. Linear regressions were performed to assess the influence of psychosocial variables on pain intensity and on pain-related disability, stratified per headache type. The regression models were corrected for bruxism and the presence of multiple headache types. A total of 323 patients (61% female; mean age 42.9, SD 14.4 years) were included. Headache pain intensity only had significant associations in TMD-pain patients with headache attributed to TMD, and anxiety showed the strongest relation (ß = 0.353) with pain intensity. Pain-related disability was most strongly associated with depression in TMD-pain patients with TTH (ß = 0.444), and with somatization in patients with headache attributed to TMD (ß = 0.399). In conclusion, the influence of psychosocial factors on headache pain intensity and pain-related disability depends on the headache type presenting.

Reliability and measurement error of anterior maximum voluntary bite force in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and healthy children.

In children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be involved. As a consequence, the oral function can be impaired due to joint and/or muscle involvement of the masticatory system with a negative influence on the maximum bite force. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to establish the reliability of AMVBF in children with JIA and healthy children. Children with JIA and healthy children conducted three attempts of AMVBF. The reliability of AMVBF measurement was determined by the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) by age, standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable change (SDC), and limits of agreement (LoA). A total of 298 children with JIA and 168 healthy children were examined. The AMVBF measurements showed an good to excellent reliability in children with JIA based on the ICCs corrected for age (0.782-0.979). In healthy children, the reliability was moderate to excellent (0.546-0.999). The SDC in our study indicated that values above 11.4N might be a clinical relevant change over time in children with JIA. The LoA showed a wide spread of variability in both children with JIA (-72.6-44.4N) and healthy children (-79.9-72.8N). The Bland-Altman plots indicated that the differences between the test and retest increased in value proportionally to the biteforce value.

Factors associated with swallowing dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate swallowing function in relation to personal and clinical factors among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) from diagnosis up to 2 years after treatment. METHODS: The 100 ml water swallow test was measured before treatment, and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. Linear mixed-effects model analysis was conducted to investigate changes over time and the association with personal (sex and age) and clinical (tumor site, tumor stage, and treatment modality) factors. RESULTS: Among 128 included patients, number of swallows increased from baseline to 3 months after treatment and decreased to baseline again at 6 months after treatment. The number of swallows was associated with age and treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HNC, swallowing (dys)function changes over time with the worst score 3 months after treatment. A higher age and being treated with surgery are factors associated with swallowing dysfunction over time.

Effectiveness of remote physiotherapeutic e-Health interventions on pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature on effectiveness of remote physiotherapeutic e-Health interventions on pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using online data sources PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane in adults with musculoskeletal disorders with a pain-related complaint. Remote physiotherapeutic e-Health interventions were analysed. Control interventions were not specified. Outcomes on effect of remote e-Health interventions in terms of pain intensity. RESULTS: From 11,811 studies identified, 27 studies were included. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness for remote e-Health for patients with back pain based on five articles. Twelve articles studied chronic pain and the effectiveness was dependent on the control group and involvement of healthcare providers. In patients with osteoarthritis (five articles), total knee surgery (two articles), and knee pain (three articles) no significant effects were found for remote e-Health compared to control groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of remote physiotherapeutic e-Health interventions to decrease pain intensity in patients with back pain. There is some evidence for effectiveness of remote e-Health in patients with chronic pain. For patients with osteoarthritis, after total knee surgery and knee pain, there appears to be no effect of e-Health when solely looking at reduction of pain. Implications for rehabilitationThis review shows that e-Health can be an effective way of reducing pain in some populations.Remote physiotherapeutic e-Health interventions may decrease pain intensity in patients with back pain.Autonomous e-Health is more effective than no treatment in patients with chronic pain.There is no effect of e-Health in reduction of pain for patients with osteoarthritis, after total knee surgery and knee pain.

Long-term masticatory performance and ability following closed treatment for unilateral mandibular condylar neck or base fractures: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to find explanatory variables for objective and patient-reported long-term masticatory functioning in patients treated with maxillomandibular fixation for unilateral condylar neck or base fractures. These outcomes were compared to healthy control subjects. METHODS: Patients treated between 1996 and 2013 were enrolled in the study. Objective measurements included the mixing ability test (MAT) for masticatory performance, and range of motion of the mandible. Patient-reported measurements included the mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ) for masticatory ability, and the visual analogue scale for pain. Healthy subjects were recruited between October 2018 and January 2019, and performed the MAT and MFIQ. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients and 30 healthy subjects were included. The average follow-up period was 11.67 years. In adjusted regression analysis, the amount of occlusal units (OU) was associated with the MAT (P = 0.020; R2 = 0.253) and MFIQ (P = 0.001, R2 = 0.454). The MAT outcome was similar in both groups when correcting for OU (P = 0.001; R2 = 0.201). The MFIQ was inferior in the patient group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Long-term masticatory performance was similar in patients with a history of condylar neck or base fracture and healthy subjects; however, masticatory ability was inferior in patients compared to healthy subjects.

Oral functioning after open versus closed treatment of unilateral condylar neck or base fractures: A two-centre controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral functioning and rehabilitation in patients after condylar trauma can be measured by objective functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes. The similarities or differences between these outcomes may contribute to the decision if open treatment (OT) or closed treatment (CT) will obtain the most advantageous results. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare OT versus CT for unilateral condylar mandibular neck or base fractures in a two-centre controlled clinical trial by objective functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes measured at 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. Additionally, these outcomes were compared within each group. METHODS: Patients were enrolled between January 2017 and November 2019. In one centre, patients received OT by extra-oral open reduction and internal fixation. In another centre, patients received CT by maxillomandibular fixation. Objective measurements included the mixing ability test (MAT) and mandibular active range of motion (ROM). Patient-reported outcomes included the mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to determine differences between the treatment groups at 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to determine differences within each group. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were enrolled. No differences were found between the groups treated with OT or CT for MAT, ROM, MFIQ and VAS. Both groups showed functional improvement. CONCLUSION: Good objective functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes were achieved with both OT and CT in patients with unilateral condylar mandibular neck or base fractures.