PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Dr. Redfern does ground breaking research in the relationship between PCOS and TMJ problems, particularly when the problems result in headaches. This is a summary of his recent research that he will present at the following Professional Seminars and Meetings:

See RT Poster Color 8-2.pdf (15.7 MB).

AADR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition, March 21-24, 2018, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA

IADR/PER General Session & Exhibition, July 25-28, 2018, London, England, UK

IADR/AADR/CADR General Session & Exhibition, June 19-22, 2019, Vancouver, BC, Canada

TITLE: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Osteonecrosis of the TMJ, Headache

PRESENTER PERSON INFORMATION: Rand Larson Redfern, 7115 Dark Horse Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, United States, 80919-1410

AUTHORS/INSTITUTIONS: R.L. Redfern, Pain, TMJ Clinic of Colorado Springs. Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado, UNITED STATES;
T.J. Hanson MD, PMR, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota, UNITED STATES;

CURRENT SCIENTIFIC GROUPS & NETWORKS: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Research

ABSTRACT BODY: 
Objectives: To Increase awareness of medical and dental providers treating young women with complaints of headache regarding association of PCOS, Headache and hormonal effect on the TMJs.
To fascilitate earlier diagnosis of PCOS, medical management to prevent infertility etc. and use of oral appliances and physical medicine to protect and rest the TMJs and musculature.

Methods: A several case study format was used.
The Novemeber 2014 issue of the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery published an article by Soydan and Deniz showing that 86% of PCOS diagnosed young females had significant to severe TMD symptoms. We have added the use of computed tomography and MRI in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment management of these patients. Mounted study casts for dental treatment using MPO appliances were used in treatments in conjunction with medical treatments.young females were refered due to headache, some with intracapsular pain, and some with sleep apnea as well.

Results: Palpations revealed very significant musculoskeletal pain. Advanced imaging demonstrated soft tissue injuries including dislocations of the articular disc inflammation in the capsule and condyle and collapse of the condyle. Osteonecrosis of the condyle was observed by MRI. Mutually protective occlusal splints were very helpful in reducing headache and protecting the structures of the TMJs. Headache in young girls was a useful sign /symptom to initiate diagnostic testing for PCOS.

Conclusions: Headache in young girls may be a sign of hormonal disturbances like PCOS.
Advanced imaging is very useful diagnosing potential involement of the TMJs inPCOS patients.
Dental and medical coordination for treatment and diagnosis of PCOS increases the opportunity to improve outcomes and help provide a better quality of life.
MPO splints allow for protection of the TMJ, decreased muscular hyperactivity, decreased headache and help prevent OSN.

Dr. Redfern's research on PCOS is expected to be published very soon in the Journal of Dental Research and JDR Clinical & Translational Research .