5.2. Outcomes Evaluation
myalgia, Arthralgia, T1.The, Myalgia, pain, parafunction, TMJ arthralgia
SECONDARY, TMJ
All the outcomes were assessed preoperatively (T0) and postoperatively (T1 at 5 weeks and T2 at the 6-month follow-up). T2 was a further evaluation of the treated patients and was initially not included in the study design. The goal was to assess whether the long-term effects were maintained after T1.The primary outcome was the level of TMJ arthralgia (VAS, 0–10). Arthralgia was reported if it was verified according to (1) a history of pain in the TMJ area and (2) pain modified with jaw movement, function, or parafunction [The secondary outcomes were myalgia degree (from G0 to G3), TMJ clicking, and maximum mouth opening (MMO, mm). MMO was measured using a certified ruler between the incisor’s teeth. Myalgia was diagnosed according to a bilateral clinical examination by palpation of temporomandibular muscles, and clinical history positive for (1) pain in the jaw, in front or inside the ear during the past 30 days, and the examiner confirming the masticatory muscles as a source of pain, (2) pain modified with jaw movement, function, or parafunction and a positive clinical evaluation for palpation pressure (5 s/1 kg pressure) in masseter and temporalis muscles as defined in DC/TMD [