Machine Learning for Evaluating and Diagnosing Temporomandibular Disorders

This study integrates machine learning with a clinical trial framework to optimize the evaluation and management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). A total of 180 eligible participants are expected to be enrolled in the study. To ensure a homogenous sample, strict screening will be conducted using standardized psychometric scales; patients with significant psychosocial confounders (defined as GAD-7 ≥10, PHQ-9 ≥15, PHQ-15 ≥10, or PSQI >5) or comorbidities such as fibromyalgia, rheumatic autoimmune diseases, and trauma history will be excluded. Prior to treatment, baseline clinical examination, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data will be collected. All clinical data and longitudinal pre- and post-treatment MRI findings will be utilized to train advanced multi-modal diagnostic models; based on this foundational intelligence, predictive algorithms will then be developed to determine the necessity of an MRI scan using only clinical data and CBCT images. The enrolled participants will be divided by active maximum mouth opening into two subgroups (≤30 mm and >30 mm) and randomly assigned to three treatment arms: (1) Proprioceptive Training + Sham + LLLT (2 weeks of sham laser followed by 2 weeks of active laser acupuncture); (2) Proprioceptive Training + LLLT + LLLT (4 weeks of active laser acupuncture); and (3) Waiting List Control (receiving standard conservative care only).Proprioceptive training includes gentle teeth tapping, tongue-to-palate contact, and neutral head-neck posture exercises, performed three times daily. LLLT targets the Xiaguan (ST7), Yifeng (SJ17), and bilateral Fengchi (GB20) points once weekly. Assessments will be conducted biweekly during treatment, with final evaluation at 4 weeks and follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-treatment. Post-treatment MRI will be performed at the 4-week endpoint to evaluate objective intra-articular and perimuscular soft-tissue changes, correlating with improvements in pain resolution efficiency and mandibular range of motion recovery.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) screened by the Department of Dentistry, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at En Chu Kong Hospital, who have failed to respond to analgesic treatment for at least one week.
• Patients clinically examined and identified as having pain predominantly originating from muscles associated with mandibular movement.
• Patients aged between 18 and 70 years (inclusive) with full legal capacity.
• Patients who are willing to participate in the study and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients meeting any of the following clinical scale thresholds: Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)≥ 10, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) ≥ 15, Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) ≥ 10, or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) > 5.
• Patients with tumors of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or head and neck region.
• Patients with acute or chronic infections.
• Patients with a history of neuropathy or stroke.
• Patients with a history of head and neck trauma.
• Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
• Patients diagnosed with autoimmune or rheumatic diseases.
• Patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Patients with claustrophobia (unable to undergo MRI examination).
• Women who are pregnant or lactating, or parents currently in the infant care/nursing period.
• Patients who have received invasive treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders within the past 3 months.