TMJ Dysfunction following use of SAD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction following the use of supraglottic airway devices
IRAS ID
262069
Contact name
Cyprian Mendonca
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to assess how the use of Supraglottic Airway Devices may cause Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Dysfunction following general anaesthesia.
Supraglottic Airway Devices (SADs) are commonly used to maintain the airway for 56% of all general anaesthetics. Although insertion of SADs considered to be relatively easy, it requires certain manoeuvres. These include extension of the head, use of a jaw thrust with adequate mouth opening, and then introduction of the device with a firm and gentle motion down and backwards along the hard palate. These methods are thought to improve the time to successful insertion of the SAD.
The reported complications following SAD insertion include gastric aspiration, injury to or loss of the airway. There are also a few case reports about TMJ dislocation and dysfunction following SAD use under general anaesthesia. To our knowledge there is no clinical trial assessing the TMJ dysfunction after routine use of the SAD under anaesthesia in the perioperative period.
The aim of this research is to determine if there is any objective evidence of difference in TMJ function, in addition to patient feedback about perceived dysfunction.
A member of the research team will approach eligible patients preoperatively to explain the study, provide written information and obtain written consent. Consenting participants will then be asked to complete a questionnaire and the member of the research team will measure and record an airway assessment including jaw movements. During first 4 to 24 hours of the post operative period participants will again be approached to complete a questionnaire and the research team member will re-measure jaw movements. The preoperative and post-operative jaw movements will be compared.
Based on the findings we aim to develop recommendations for further education and training to optimise patient safety.REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0255
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion