クローズドロック症例に対する上関節腔洗浄療法（ａｒｔｈｒｏｃｅｎｔｅｓｉｓ）の臨床効果に関する検討

Abstract

Arthrocentesis which involved hydraulic distension with 200-300 ml lactated Ringer's solution following an injection of betamethasone into the superior joint compartment, was carried out in 20 closed lock cases of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joints. Prior to, immediately after, 2 weeks after, 2 months, and 6 months after the procedure, the patient's jaw opening was evaluated. The subjects rated their pain level (VAS), and filled in a questionnaire which assessed pain, jaw dysfunction, and activity limitations.The following results were obtained:1. The range of opening motion was significantly increased from 30. 7±5.9 mm to more than 40 mm (P<0.01) at immediately after, 2 weeks after, and 2 and 6 months after the procedure.2. VAS of pain, pain score, jaw dysfunction score, and activity limitation score also significantly decreased (P<0.01).3. Sixteen of the 20 cases (80%) satisfied success criteria.It was concluded that this procedure is not only highly effective for releasing closed lock symptoms, but also it can be carried out easily in the outpatient clinic.