Purpose: Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDs) coupled by trigger points (TPs) has been conversed medically and dentally for over a century. Phonophoresis (PH) is a non-invasive transdermal drug delivery system that use ultrasound (US) to enhance the distribution of topically applied drugs which provide less chance of an overdose and permit both local and systemic treatment effects.
The aim: of this study was to assess the outcome of phonophoresis with Extrauma and ultrasound therapies in the treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome.
Patients and method: twenty cases with MPDs of TPs in the masseter muscle were selected and divided into two groups; study group (PH): comprised ten female patients that were treated with phonophoresis (PH) using Extrauma gel for 10 sessions over three weeks. Control group (US): comprised ten female patients that were treated with ultrasound (US) for 10 sessions over three weeks. Postoperative clinical assessment including visual analogue scale (VAS) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) were assessed.
Results: Comparison of VAS between the two groups at immediate post-operative period showed that PH group recorded decrease and significant values and at six months post-operative period the two groups showed non-significant decrease in VAS. MMO showed non-significant increase values in both groups along the follow up periods.
Conclusion: Extrauma phonophoresis in the masseter muscle trigger points considered an effective treatment option for myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome.