|
Randomized
controlled trials are the sine qua non for evaluating therapeutic
interventions for humans, and have just begun to help determine
which interventions can manage or alleviate temporomandibular
disorder pain (TMD), and which cannot.
The Biopsychosocial
model is the prevailing scientific theory of how to understand
and measure the multidimensional effects of chronic pain in humans,
and indicates that tangible outcomes for TMD clinical trials should
also be multidimensional.
Specific design features
must be meticulously planned, conducted, and analyzed so that
the study results have optimal scientific validity.
Multicenter trials
heretofore have not been utilized with TMD, and, although they
are difficult, complex, and expensive, are likely to yield great
dividends if properly conducted.
This chapter has discussed
and illustrated both theoretical and practical issues in designing,
conducting, and analyzing clinical trials to assess interventions
for TMD. Future TMD clinical trials that are carefully planned
and implemented are sorely needed. Ultimately, large high quality
TMD randomized trials and systematic reviews of multiple trials
will help determine which interventions are effective for this
common yet puzzling orofacial pain condition.
|