Arthrocentesis versus conservative treatments for TMJ dysfunctions: A preliminary prospective study

Abstract

Background and objective: The temporomandibular disorders present with a variety of signs and symptoms which include pain in the joint and its surrounding, jaw sounds, limited jaw opening, jaw deviation and headache. The aim of this study was to compare the results and efficacy of arthrocentesis with those of conservative treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods: In a clinical comparative prospective study, 45 patient of both sexes were enrolled in this study according to inclusion criteria’s. The arthrocentesis group consisted of 22 patients (31 joints). The conservative treatment group consisted of 23 patients (34 joints). For both groups, pretreatment and four months post treatment parameters (visual analogue scale for pain, maximum mouth opening and joint sounds score) were recorded. Results: The results revealed that highly statistically significant difference between all pretreatment and forth months post treatment parameter means for both groups (P < 0.001). Both arthrocentesis and conservative treatments were effective. There was a highly statistical significant difference between the four months post treatment parameter means for both groups (P < 0.001). Arthrocentesis was superior to conservative treatments. The overall success rate was 87.1% for arthrocentesis and 55.9% for conservative treatments. Conclusion: Both conservative treatment and arthrocentesis are effective in the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. However, arthrocentesis seems to be superior.