Efficacy of Maitland joint mobilization technique on pain intensity, mouth opening, functional limitation, kinesiophobia, sleep quality and quality of life in temporomandibular joint dysfunction following bilateral cervicofacial burns

Background: Bilateral cervicofacial burn contracture initially affects facial expressions and later affects tempero mandibular joint (TMJ) function of the patient. It further tightens the ligaments and capsules around the TMJ and leads to tempero mandibular dysfunction. The consequences of temporomandibular joint dysfunction will be pain, limitation of mouth opening, functional disability and poor quality of life (Qol). However, studies examining the efficacy of Maitland joint mobilization technique in this population are lacking. Objectives: To find the short term effects of Maitland joint mobilization technique on pain, mouth opening, functional limitation, kinesiophobia, sleep quality and Quality of life in tempero mandibular joint dysfunction following bilateral cervicofacial burns. Methods: Thirty subjects with temporomandibular joint dysfunction following cervicofacial burn (N = 30) were allocated to Maitland joint mobilization group (n = 15) and home based training group (n = 15) randomly to receive Maitland joint mobilization technique and home based training for 4 weeks. All the participants received ultrasound therapy as common treatment. Primary (Numeric Pain Rating Scale – NPRS, maximal mouth opening – MMO & Tempero mandibular disability index – TDI) and secondary (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia – TSK-17, Sleep quality questionnaire – SSQ & Global Rating of Change – GRC) outcome measures were measured at baseline, after four weeks and three months follow up. Repeated measures of ANOVA and independent t test were performed for analyzing the dependent variables in both groups. Results: Baseline demographic characters and study variables show homogenous distribution between the groups (p > 0.05). Four weeks following different training protocols Maitland joint mobilization group shows more significant changes in pain intensity, mouth opening, functional limitation, kinesiophobia, sleep quality and Qol than home based training group (p ≤ 0.05). Also Maitland joint mobilization group show significant improvement in study variables than home based training group (p ≤ 0.05) at three months follow up. Conclusion: Both groups improved over time, however, differences between the groups were noticed small. However, physiotherapy management which includes Maitland joint mobilization technique and therapeutic exercise program has an effective strategy in the treatment of tempero mandibular joint dysfunction following cervicofacial burns.