Joint visco-supplementation is an effective therapeutic approach against the degenerative signs and symptoms of osteoarthrosis/osteoarthritis of the mandibular condyle. Supplements of choice are usually delivered inside the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by intra-articular infiltration. The present study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of pericapsular injection of polinucleotides (PN) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Sixty patients suffering from TMJ osteoarthrosis were recruited and divided into two groups (test group: n = 30, pericapsular injection; control group: n = 30, self-delivered physiotherapeutic exercises). For each patient, maximum opening, right and left lateral excursion, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded at four different timepoints by a blinded investigator. Paired Student's t tests were used to compare consecutive measurements of the parameters evaluated within the groups, and unpaired Student's t tests were used for between-group comparisons. All investigated parameters displayed a progressive clinical improvement in both groups, which was more accentuated in the test group. The decrease in VAS score differed significantly between groups (p < 0.0001). Maximum opening showed a continuous increase from baseline (mean (SD) 37.70 (8.33) mm) to T3 (39.68 (7.64) mm), reflecting a progressive improvement, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.089 at T3 with respect to T0). PN HA pericapsular injection is a minimally invasive treatment that effectively reduces pain and improves mandibular kinematics.

In recent years, the Web has become a source of medical information for patients, even though the information available online may be incorrect or qualitatively inadequate. Younger generations, immersed in a digital environment since a very tender age, are more likely to get informed online. This study aims to understand the relevance of online information for prospective orthodontic patients and to investigate the effects of digital research on patients’ decision-making process, and it also aims to investigate potential generational differences between digital natives and digital immigrants. An anonymous questionnaire was developed to investigate patients’ orthodontic-themed Web searches as well as the effects digital material had on their decision-making process. Before submitting the newly designed survey to patients, it was validated in a pilot study. Univariate analysis was applied to analyze the relationship between the demographic characteristics of respondents and their answers on the use of digital research for the decision-making process. 64.6% of the study population searched the Web for orthodontic information prior to their visit. Google was the most used platform regardless of patients’ age. The perceived reliability of online sources varied significantly with age. Men displayed more trusting behavior towards their doctor than women. Prospective patients’ satisfaction with affected patients’ decision-making processes, and the perceived reliability of online sources of information had repercussions on the doctor-patient relationship. Orthodontists should be aware that the majority of patients use the Internet as a source for orthodontic information, and that patients who are digital immigrants are more prone to trust the information found online. Patients who perceive the information found on the Web as either useful or reliable don’t easily discard it, even if it is inconsistent with the orthodontist’s opinion.

Background We sought to understand the relevance of online information for prospective orthodontic patients and to investigate the effects of digital research on patients’ decision-making process. We speculate that generational differences exist between digital natives and digital immigrants.Materials and methods An anonymous questionnaire was developed to investigate patients’ orthodontic-themed Web searches as well as the effects digital material had on their decision-making process. Before submitting the newly designed survey to patients, it was validated in a pilot study. Univariate analysis was applied to analyze the relationship between the demographic characteristics of respondents and their answers on the use of digital research for the decision-making process.Results 64.6% of the study population searched the Web for orthodontic information prior to their visit. Google was the most used platform regardless of patients’ age. The perceived reliability of online sources varied significantly with age. Men displayed more trusting behavior towards their doctor than women. Prospective patients’ satisfaction with affected patients’ decision-making processes, and the perceived reliability of online sources of information had repercussions on the doctor-patient relationship.Conclusions Orthodontists should be aware that the majority of patients use the Internet as a source for orthodontic information, and that patients who are digital immigrants are more prone to trust the information found online. Patients who perceive the information found on the Web as either useful or reliable don’t easily discard it, even if it is inconsistent with the orthodontist’s opinion.