| Autor: |
Vivacqua A; Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland., Fan K; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 9RS, UK., Gürtler A; Physiothek, Private Practice, 4054 Basel, Switzerland., Thieringer FM; Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.; Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.; Medical Additive Manufacturing Research Group (Swiss MAM), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland., Berg BI; Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.; Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland. |
| Abstrakt: |
Background: Temporomandibular disease (TMD) is commonly seen, and divers also experience pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or masticatory muscles. This article aims to provide a tool for diving physicians or medical professionals involved in diving medicine since jaw pain among divers is a pertinent subject and can be challenging to evaluate without some background in dentistry or maxillofacial surgery. Method: A basic algorithm was developed to provide a tool to differentiate jaw pains experienced by divers. Three brief case studies were developed, and five diving physicians were tasked with diagnosing the cases using the algorithm. Additionally, simple exercises and massage techniques that can benefit patients with TMD, particularly immediately after diving, are outlined. Results: All five diving physicians successfully diagnosed the cases using the algorithm. However, three of them were unable to diagnose the first case (disc luxation) without consulting the algorithm. Nevertheless, all physicians acknowledged the utility of the algorithm. Conclusions: Jaw pain in divers can stem from diverse causes, but effective treatment options exist. Our study findings provide valuable insights to assist diving physicians in making accurate diagnoses and guiding appropriate patient management, which may include referrals to specialists such as dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, or orthodontists. |
