Arthrocentesis for the Treatment of Internal Derangement of the Temporomandibular Joint

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of arthrocentesis in the treatment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Thirty patients with TMJ internal derangement underwent arthrocentesis using saline. Pain using visual analog scale, maximum mouth opening, joint noises and mandible deviation were documented pre-operatively and post-operatively. Patients were followed for 1year. Statistical analysis of pain was done by Wilcoxon signed Rank's test and dysfunction by students paired t test. The mean pre-operative pain was 4.8±2.65 and post-operatively at 1year was 0.27±0.45 with an average decrease of 4.72 (P=0.000). The mean maximal mouth opening pre-operatively was 29.8±2.35mm and post-operatively 41.9±2.48mm at 1year. The mean increase in the mouth opening was 12.1±3.0mm (P=0.000). Arthrocentesis is simple, minimally invasive procedure with less risk of complications and significant benefits in patients with TMJ internal derangement.