Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of pivot splint therapy in improving persistent limitation of mouth opening in patients with unilateral closed lock. Twenty-three clinically diagnosed unilateral closed lock patients who had limitation of mouth opening after relief of maxillofacial pain received the treatment with a pivot appliance and were assessed clinically and radiographically. Eighteen patients (78.3%) were found to have had successful recovery of mouth opening range. They all recovered within 12 weeks of the treatment. The patients who did not successfully recover showed condylar bone change and/or were older in age. The results of this study suggested the possibility that the twelve week-use of pivot appliance might be effective in managing limited mouth opening without joint pain. They also suggest that pivot appliance is less effective in the advanced stages of internal derangement where radiographic change of condylar bone is observed.
