A novel fully guided technique for botulinum toxin injection in lateral pterygoid muscle using muscle segmentation for TMJ disc displacement with reduction: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of fully guided botulinum toxin (BTX) injection in lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) using muscle segmentation technique and compare it with electromyography (EMG) for management of symptomatic disc displacement with reduction (DDWR).Materials and methodsThis prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 20 patients suffering from DDWR. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups receiving BTX injection in LPM using fully guided technique of muscle segmentation for LPM in group I (study) while using EMG in group II (control). Evaluation was done for disc position after 3 months and for maximum interincisal opening (MIO), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and LPM tenderness, and clicking after 1,3 and 6 months.ResultsMaximum interincisal opening showed reduction at 1-month follow-up, followed by significant improvement in both groups. Significant disappearance of clicking, reduction in LPM and TMJ tenderness and disc position reduction were detected in both groups. However, the difference between both groups was not statistically significant except in LPM tenderness, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of group I at 3-and 6- month follow-up.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the fully guided technique using muscle segmentation is a viable, cost-effective and reproducible alternative to EMG for BTX injection in LPM.Clinical relevanceThe fully guided technique by muscle segmentation in LPM is as effective as EMG, providing 3D virtual augmented environment of the muscle with its surrounding skeletal and dental structures.Trial registrationThis prospective RCT has been retrospectively registered at Clinical Trials.gov with identification number: NCT06633445, 2024-10-01.