Abstract
Objectives:
This study evaluated the possibility of using NeuroModulation Technique (NMT), a form of intention-based medicine, to induce osteogenesis and healing of cavitational osteonecrosis, a common progressive form of ischemic disease of the alveolar arch.
Design:
Eleven (11) adult patients were enrolled based on the presence of lesions in the jawbone. Ten (10) subjects underwent NMT therapy for up to 10 months, while 1 subject received no treatment.
Outcome measures:
A sensitive analysis of bone density in the alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible was performed before and after therapy using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved Cavitat system of through-transmission ultrasonography and computer imaging.
Results:
All subjects presented between one and six cavitational lesions at the first scan, most of which (92%) were associated with sites of previous tooth extraction. NMT-treated patients demonstrated significant improvement in bone density in 27 of the 34 lesions analyzed (79%). The median number of lesions per patient was 4 pretreatment and 0 post-treatment (p < 0.01). One NMT-treated patient, 1 surgically treated patient, and the control subject were also imaged at later time points, showing a durable healing of the lesions through NMT comparable to that of surgery, as opposed to disease persistence in the untreated control.
Conclusions:
NMT therapy provides a safe and potentially effective treatment for jawbone osteonecrosis. Preclinical placebo-controlled trials are encouraged to investigate in depth the potential of NMT for treating inflammatory and degenerative pathologies.