Long-term effects of splint therapy in patients with posttraumatic stress disease (PTSD)

Objectives The aim of a pilot study was to clarify the question of whether mouth opening restrictions in patients with PTSD by means of splint therapy (st) show long-term therapeutic effects in the case of functional disorders. Material and methods In 31 of 36 inpatients (soldiers, average age 37.1 ± 7.3 years, 26.7 ± 2.1 teeth) with confirmed posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic pain intensity > 6 (visual analogue scale 0 to 10), the mouth opening was determined, and the functional status (RDC-TMD) was recorded. All participants received a splint that was worn at night. A control of the therapeutic effect of the splint occurred after 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results The mouth opening initially had an average of 30.9 ± 6.5 mm (median 31 mm). The pain intensity (PI) was reported to be on average VAS 8.3 ± 0.9, the chronic degree of pain according to von Korff was 3.9 ± 03. Six weeks after the st ( n = 31), the average mouth opening was 49.5 ± 6.3 mm (median 51.5). PI was given as VAS 2.3 ± 1.1 on average. After 3, 6, and 12 months, 24, 15, and 14 subjects could be interviewed regarding PI. Based on the last examination date of all subjects, the average PI was given as 1.1 ± 0.9 (median 1). Conclusion The presented data show that the therapeutic short-term results achieved by means of a splint remain valid on the long term despite continued PTSD. Clinical relevance The presented study shows that patients will benefit in the long term from a splint and remain symptom-free, even if this mental illness persists.