[Efficacy of semiconductor laser therapy combined with botulinum toxin A type injection in treatment of temporomandibular disorders].

[PURPOSE] To observe the efficacy of semiconductor laser therapy in combination with botulinum toxin A type injection in treating temporomandibular disorders and the influence on serum levels of interleukin(IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α.

[METHODS] Ninety patients with temporomandibular disorders were selected and randomly divided into control group and treatment group with 45 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received semiconductor laser therapy,once per day and 1 course for 1 week. Patients in the treatment group was given semiconductor laser therapy in combination with botulinum toxin A type. 50 U botulinum toxin A type were injected into the masseteric and temporal muscles with 5 injections at different sites in each side. The treatment course of patients was 2 weeks. Fricton scale indexes, pain index, and efficacy were compared between the two groups. Serum levels of IL-1 and TNF-α were detected in both groups. SPSS19.0 software package was used for data analysis.

[RESULTS] After treatment, PI, DI and CMI in the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.01). After 1 and 2 weeks of treatment, VAS score of the treatment group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.01). The total efficacy rate of the treatment group was 93.33%,which was significantly higher than control group (66.67%, P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-1 and TNF-α of the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.01).

[CONCLUSIONS] The efficacy of semiconductor laser therapy in combination with botulinum toxin A type injection in treating temporomandibular disorders is significant,and may be related to decreased serum levels of IL-1 and TNF-α.