The Efficacy of Prolotherapy in Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Prolotherapy (proliferation injection therapy) also known as regenerative injection therapy was introduced by Hackett to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain. Prolotherapy reinitiates the inflammatory process and thereby augments the natural healing process of the body. It is especially useful in refractory cases where conservative management has failed. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of dextrose prolotherapy in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders. A prospective clinical study was conducted on patients visiting the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, with a diagnosis of temporomandibular dysfunction. Twenty-one patients (32 joints) with chief complaints of TMJ pain, limited mouth opening, and clicking sounds in the TMJ were evaluated and treated on an outpatient basis. All TMJs were examined clinically and radiographically. Based on patient’s history and clinical and radiographical examination, a diagnosis of TMJ disorder was made. All patients were given 4 sessions of 12.5 % dextrose prolotherapy in TMJ and associated structures at interval of 2 weeks. After prolotherapy there was increase in mouth opening and statistically significant decrease in intensity of pain which was found at the end of 3 months, however there was no significant difference in clicking of TM joint. In our study, we have concluded that 12.5 % dextrose prolotherapy has a faster effect on pain relief and mouth opening but not on clicking. Our results are encouraging and have been promising, showing a significant improvement in TMJ symptoms after 4 sessions of dextrose prolotherapy.