The effect of the twin block compared with trigger point injections in patients with masticatory myofascial pain: a pilot study

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2020-03, Vol.129 (3), p.222-228
• Main Authors: Ananthan, Sowmya, Kanti, Veena, Zagury, Julyana Gomes, Quek, Samuel Y.P., Benoliel, Rafael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dentistry; Humans; Injections; Myofascial Pain Syndromes - drug therapy; Nerve Block - methods; Pain; Pilot Projects; Treatment Outcome; Trigger Points
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2019.09.014

The twin block, a novel nerve block that blocks the deep temporal and masseteric branches of the trigeminal nerve, has been shown to be effective in the short-term management of masticatory myofascial pain. However, little is known about its effectiveness in long-term management. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of the twin block in comparison with trigger point injections for the treatment of masticatory myofascial pain. Forty-eight patients age 18 to 89 years were randomly assigned to the twin block group (n = 23) or the trigger point injection group (n = 25). The final analysis was based on a total number of 40 patients. Mean numerical pain intensity at baseline was 6.54 ± 1.90 for the trigger point injection group and 6.47 ± 2.23 for the twin block group. At the 6th month visit, it was 1.85 ± 1.85 for the trigger point injection group and 1.85 ± 1.94 for the twin block group. There were no statistically significant differences in pain intensity between the 2 groups at baseline (P = .64) and at the 6th month follow-up (P = .45). The twin block is effective in the long-term management of masticatory myofascial pain compared with trigger point injections. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03870191