Repeated sodium hyaluronate injections following multiple arthrocenteses in the treatment of early stage reducing disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint: A preliminary report

Does Liquid/Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Help in the Arthrocentesis Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Compared to Other Infusion Options? A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are prevalent musculoskeletal conditions involving pain and dysfunction of jaw mobility and function, which have proven difficult to treat satisfactorily. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a liquid platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) infusion during arthrocentesis versus other options using coadjuvant materials to reduce TMD symptoms. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs published before January 2024, comparing i-PRF to any other TMD treatment. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023495364). The searches generated several recent RCTs that compared i-PRF injection combined with arthrocentesis (AC) to AC-only or AC with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The outcomes analyzed included measures of pain (visual analog scale, VAS), maximum mouth opening, joint sounds, and MRI-verified changes in joint structure. Across the RCTs, the addition of i-PRF injection to AC resulted in significant improvements in pain relief, joint function, mouth opening, and structural changes compared to AC-only or with PRP over follow-up periods ranging from 6 to 12 months. Current clinical evidence favors using i-PRF as an adjunct to AC rather than AC-only or AC with PRP for the treatment of TMDs. The improvements in subjective and objective outcome measures are clinically meaningful. Still, additional high-quality RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are required to strengthen the evidence base and better define the role of i-PRF in TMD management guidelines.

Intraarticular injections of hyaluronic acid in arthrocentesis and arthroscopy as a treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the benefits of hyaluronic acid intraarticular injection (HA IAI), in conjunction with minimally invasive surgery (arthrocentesis or arthroscopy), as a therapeutic option for temporomandibular joint disorders.

METHODS

An electronic search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted in order to answer the following PICOS question: "In clinical trials with patients treated with arthroscopy or arthrocentesis, did the subsequent use of HA IAI provide a better control of postoperative pain and temporomandibular joint function compared to those patients who did not receive it?"

RESULTS

Following PRISMA criteria, six randomized controlled clinical trials were selected. HA IAI showed significant differences in terms of pain reduction in three of them and improvement of mandibular function in two, compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Based on scientific evidence, the level of recommendation found regarding this type of intervention is type B (recommendation based on inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence).

Temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: a single-center experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The aim of this paper was to report our experience and to review the literature of arthrocentesis focusing on protocols and results.

METHODS

Arthrocentesis with supplemental hyaluronic acid was performed in patients with TMDs between January 2017 and December 2020 at the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery. The maximum interincisal opening (MIO) and pain score were recorded preoperatively (T0), 2 months postoperatively (T1), and 6 months postoperatively (T2). A literature search was performed to analyze the same parameters in patients with TMDs. Patient demographic, characteristics and treatment protocols used were also recorded.

RESULTS

This retrospective analysis enrolled 45 patients. Twenty-two patients (20 females, 2 males) with mean age of 37.13 years with internal derangement were included in study group A. Study group B included 23 patients with degenerative joint disease (19 females and 4 males) with mean age of 55.73 years. The outcomes trend of MIO and pain during the follow-up period showed a gradual improvement. Fifty articles meeting the proposed scientific criteria were selected for the literature revision. A range of clinical and procedural variables were analyzed by grouping the studies into two broad categories based on the diagnosis of TMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience and on the basis of the most accredited scientific studies in the literature, intra-articular injections of HA are beneficial for the improvement of the pain and/or functional symptoms of TMDs.

Disc-condyle relationship alterations following stabilization splint therapy or arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid injection in patients with anterior disc displacement: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of stabilization splint (SS) therapy or arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid (HA) injection in the treatment of anterior disc displacement (ADD) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

99 subjects were collected in this study. 46 subjects received SS treatment (SS group), 53 subjects received arthrocentesis plus HA injection (HA group). Joints with anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) were compared separately. MRI before the beginning of the treatment and after a set of treatment were used for measurement. Disc-condyle relationship and positions of condyles and discs were determined by disc-condyle angles and X-Y coordinates.

RESULTS

The disc-condyle angles decreased significantly in the SS group (P < .0001). Whereas no significant change was found in the HA group. Substantial anteroinferior condyle movement was detected in the SS group, slight anterior movement of condyles was discovered in the HA group. Anterior shift of discs position was observed in HA group and joints with ADDwoR in the SS group.

CONCLUSIONS

SS was effective in improving the disc-condyle relationship in ADD subjects, while significant improvement of disc-condyle relationship cannot be achieved through arthrocentesis plus HA injection.

Evaluation of the efficiency of hyaluronic acid, PRP and I-PRF intra-articular injections in the treatment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint: A prospective study

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) injections in the internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Adult patients who had failed to respond to nonsurgical treatment were were included in the study. The patients were divided into three treatment groups according to the given substance: 1) HA administration three times in a row on a weekly basis, 2) a single dose of PRP, or 3) a single dose of I-PRF. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and 6 and 12 months after the treatment, including maximal mouth opening (MMO) and pain level (Visual Analog Scale). Low and high molecular weight (HA_L, HA_H) hyaluronic acid forms were also compared. 68 adult patients, with a total of 109 joints were included in the study. The mean age was 53 ± 16 years. The statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in MMO in the HA group (p < 0.01). The pain level significantly decreased in all treatment groups (p_HA,PRP,I-PRF<0.01). Comparing HA_L and HA_H forms, no significant difference was found in the evaluation of MMO and VAS values. Within the limitations of the study it seems that due to the similar effects of HA and the autologous blood substances, the platelet concentrates should be preferred in the intra-articular treatment in order to reduce the risk of possible adverse effects.

Prospective study to evaluate the influence of joint washing and the use of hyaluronic acid on 111 arthrocentesis

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular dysfunction is a generic term that covers a large number of clinical problems affecting not only temporomandibular joint but also the masticatory musculature and related structures. Arthrocentesis is used in patients with joint pathology in which conservative treatment has failed.

METHODS

A prospective, observational, analytical cohort study has been carried out to evaluate the results of 111 arthrocentesis. We have performed an inferential statistics study between the variables: improvement of pain and improvement in the oral opening with the variables and access joint, washing joint, hyaluronic acid infiltration, and type of joint pathology.

RESULTS

Joint washing and intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection significantly improved the pain at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month postarthrocentesis, although this improvement was limited in time, at 6 months, joint washing and hyaluronic acid infiltration are no longer significant. Only the joint access (p = 0.014) and the type of joint pathology (p = 0.028) are significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of joint access in the arthrocentesis at 6 months is high, although less than at 1-month and 3-month postarthrocentesis. The type of joint pathology is another important factor. Patients with degenerative pathology worsen the most after 6-month postarthrocentesis. Arthrocentesis could avoid the evolution of acute pathology.

Is Repeated Arthrocentesis Beneficial in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

Arthrocentesis is an effective, simple, and minimally invasive treatment in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) closed lock (CL). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 1- versus 2-session arthrocentesis procedures in the management of TMJ CL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the files of patients with TMJ CL according to diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders. Patients who underwent 1- or 2-session arthrocentesis were included in the study. The decision of whether to undergo 1- or 2-session arthrocentesis was made by the patients: Those who accepted a second arthrocentesis procedure were assigned to group 1 (repeated arthrocentesis group), and those who did not accept, to group 2 (arthrocentesis group). The primary predictor variable was treatment method. TMJ pain (scored on a visual analog scale) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) were selected as the outcome variables. To evaluate the clinical outcomes of 1- or 2-session arthrocentesis, MMO and pain score (on a visual analog scale) before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months' follow-up were analyzed. Descriptive, comparative, correlation, and multivariate analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients (25 female and 5 male patients) with TMJ disc displacement without reduction were enrolled in the study. Each group consisted of 15 patients. Statistically significant decreases in pain scores and increases in MMO values were observed in both treatment groups at 3 and 6 months (P < .05). At 6 months, MMO values were significantly higher and pain levels were significantly lower in patients who received 2 arthrocentesis procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated arthrocentesis is more successful at reducing pain and improving MMO than a single intervention in the treatment of TMJ CL.

Evaluation of success criteria for temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis

Objectives

The aim of this study was to use four sets of success criteria to evaluate the outcomes of arthrocentesis treatment with hyaluronic acid injection in patients with internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Materials and Methods

The study included 40 patients diagnosed with unilateral Wilkes stage III TMJ dysfunction. Clinical parameters, including maximum mouth opening (MMO) and pain during function, were evaluated preoperatively, 6 months, and 1 year after TMJ arthrocentesis. Outcomes were assessed and compared using four sets of success criteria from the following: the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS; MMO ≥35 mm and visual analogue scale [VAS] score ≤3), Murakami et al.'s criteria (MMO >38 mm and VAS score <2), Emshoff and Rudisch criteria (MMO ≥35 mm and >50% pain reduction), and patient self-reports (self-evaluation of treatment as successful or unsuccessful).

Results

Significant improvements in MMO and pain reduction during function were observed between the preoperative period and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively (P<0.01). The success rates of treatment determined using AAOMS (52.5%), Emshoff and Rudisch criteria (57.5%), and self-reported patient criteria (40.0%) were similar. Application of the Murakami et al. criteria reported the lowest success rate (12.5%).

Conclusion

The AAOMS and Emshoff and Rudisch criteria are consistent with patient expectations and can be used to assess treatment efficacy.

Clinical Outcome of Sodium Hyaluronate Injection into the Superior and Inferior Joint Space for Osteoarthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint Evaluated by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study of 51 Patients and 56 Joints

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the clinical effects of sodium hyaluronate injection into the superior and inferior joint space for osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to evaluate the joint changes using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective observational clinical study included 51 patients and 56 TMJs, with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. All patients received sodium hyaluronate injections into the superior and inferior TMJ joint spaces (articular cavities). At baseline and post-treatment the condylar bony changes were evaluated by CBCT. To evaluate TMJ function, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and Helkimo's index was used, which included an anamnestic index (Ai) and a clinical dysfunction index (Di). Patients were divided into short-term (one year) follow-up groups. RESULTS In both patient follow-up groups, sodium hyaluronate injection of the superior and inferior TMJ space significantly improved MMO, the Ai, and the Di (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in condylar bony changes of the TMJ seen by CBCT (sclerosis, erosion, hyperplasia, and flattening) (P>0.05). CBCT showed a good predictive ability on post-treatment symptom relief following sodium hyaluronate injection into the superior and inferior TMJ space in patients with osteoarthritis of the TMJ (P=0.024). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this clinical and CBCT imaging study showed that sodium hyaluronate injection into the superior and inferior TMJ space in patients with osteoarthritis improved clinical symptoms, but did not control the progression of osteoarthritic joint destruction.

Chitosan-Based Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Controlled Drug Delivery to the Temporomandibular Joint

Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) and corticosteroids have been extensively used in treating temporomandibular disorders. However, rapid clearance from the site of injection is a major concern that is commonly managed by frequent dosing, which is not without complications. This study aimed to determine the suitability of thermosensitive chitosan-based hydrogels for intra-articular controlled release of drugs in the rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A series of hydrogels were prepared using different chitosan (Ch) to β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) ratios. The gelation time, swelling ratio, the shape, and surface morphology of the prepared gels were investigated to select the formulation with optimum characteristics. The left TMJ in 13 adult male New Zealand white rabbits was injected with 0.2 mL of Chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/HA while the right TMJ was injected with 0.2 mL of control solution of HA. Hyaluronic acid concentrations in experimental and control groups were measured using Hyaluronan Quantikine Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit. In vitro characterization showed that both the Ch:β-GP ratio and incorporation of HA had a significant effect on gelation time, degree of swelling, and surface morphology of the hydrogels. No morphological changes were observed in the joints in both groups. The mean concentration of HA in the experimental joints after 7 days (1339.79 ± 244.98 μg/g) was significantly higher than that in the control (474.52 ± 79.36 μg/g). In conclusion, the chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogel can be considered as a promising controlled drug release system to the TMJ in a rabbit model that would potentially overcome many of the current limitations of intra-articular formulations.

Is Hyaluronic Acid or Corticosteroid Superior to Lactated Ringer Solution in the Short Term for Improving Function and Quality of Life After Arthrocentesis? Part 2

PURPOSE

Although arthrocentesis has been used for the management of patients with temporomandibular joint pain, the benefit of hyaluronic acid (HA) or corticosteroid (CS) remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of HA, CS, and lactated Ringer solution (LR; placebo) after arthrocentesis for changes in quality of life (QoL), jaw function (Jaw Function Limitation Scale [JFLS] score), and maximum incisal opening (MIO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Consecutive patients presenting to the oral and maxillofacial departments at Emory University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California-Los Angeles, the University of Cincinnati, and the Oregon Health Sciences University were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to HA, CS, or LR. All patients underwent arthrocentesis and then instillation of HA, CS, or LR. All patients were evaluated clinically at 1 and 3 months. The outcome variables were QoL, JFLS score, and MIO. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed, with a P value less than .05 considered significant.

RESULTS

One hundred two patients were enrolled in the study. Four were lost to follow-up, leaving 98 patients for analysis of data at 1 month. An additional 51 were lost to follow-up at 3 months, leaving 51 patients for data analysis at this time point. There was no difference among groups for QoL Mental Health Composite score at 1 month (P = .70) or 3 months (P = .69). There was no difference among groups for JFLS score at 1 month (P = .71) or 3 months (P = .98). There was no difference among groups for MIO at 1 month (P = .47) or 3 months (P = .31). All groups showed within-group improvements in JFLS score and MIO at 1 and 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Arthrocentesis alone is as efficacious as arthrocentesis with HA or CS in improving jaw function and MIO at 1 and 3 months. QoL is not improved with arthrocentesis alone or in combination with CS or HA.

Is Hyaluronic Acid or Corticosteroid Superior to Lactated Ringer Solution in the Short-Term Reduction of Temporomandibular Joint Pain After Arthrocentesis? Part 1

PURPOSE

Arthrocentesis has been used for the management of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, with good success. The additional use of hyaluronic acid (HA) or corticosteroid (CS) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare HA, CS, and lactated Ringer solution (LR; placebo) after arthrocentesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Consecutive patients presenting to the oral and maxillofacial departments at Emory University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California-Los Angeles, the University of Cincinnati, and the Oregon Health Sciences University were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to HA, CS, or LR. All patients underwent arthrocentesis and then the instillation of HA, CS, or LR. Patients were evaluated clinically at 1 and 3 months. The primary outcome variable was pain at 1 month (by visual analog scale). Secondary outcome variables were pain at 3 months and analgesic consumption. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed, with a P value less than .05 considered significant.

RESULTS

One hundred two patients were enrolled in the study. Four were lost to follow-up, leaving 98 patients for the final analysis. The mean age of patients in the HA, CS, and LR groups was 39.6, 44.3, and 51.8 years, respectively (P = .02). There was no difference among groups in time to follow-up at 1 month (P = .11). The mean decrease in pain in the CS group was 19% for right-side procedures (P = .12) and 36% for left-side procedures (P = .02). The mean decrease in pain in the HA group was 31% for right-side procedures (P = .01) and 34% for left-side procedures (P = .01). The mean decrease in pain in the LR group was 43% for right-side procedures (P < .01) and 37% for left-side procedures (P < .01). There was no difference in pain decrease among groups (P = .55). There was no difference in the use of narcotic (P = .52) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (P = .71) among groups.

CONCLUSION

Arthrocentesis alone is as efficacious as arthrocentesis with HA or CS in decreasing TMJ pain.

Efficacy of hyaluronic acid injections in patients with osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint. A comparative study

The aim of the present study was to report the 1-year therapeutic outcome of intra-articular injections of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) without arthrocentesis in a group of 25 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The results were compared with those of a group of 10 patients with OA of the TMJ, treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Twenty-five patients (group A) underwent a cycle of 5 injections of HA into the TMJ. Ten patients (group B) underwent a therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 1 month. The follow-up assessments after the end of treatment were at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.Regarding the first follow-up (1 month), statistical analysis for all clinical parameters showed no significant differences (ie, beneficial effect for 2 groups) between groups A and B (P > 0.001). Significant statistical differences (ie, encouraging effect for group A) for all clinical parameters were recorded 1 year after the end of treatment between groups A and B (P < 0.001).A cycle of 5 intra-articular injections of HA without arthrocentesis for patients with OA of the TMJ is considered successful at 1-year follow-up period.

Tinnitus in patients with temporo-mandibular joint disorder: Proposal for a new treatment protocol

The present study was designed to verify the correlation between tinnitus and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.86 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study, all affected by subjective tinnitus without hearing impairment, from both genders, age between 18 and 60 years old. The final number of patients included in the study was 55. All patients received a temporo-mandibular joint examination. All the patients were asked to rate the severity of their symptoms before and after treatment using a VAS scale and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and they followed a standardized protocol for the investigation of tinnitus. All the subjects were monitored by the same researcher and they underwent the same splint treatment. The comparison between pre- and posttreatment phase scores showed in patients with predisposition of TMD and with TMD a statistically significant decrease of THI and VAS values. The characteristics of tinnitus and the degree of response to treatment confirmed the relationship between tinnitus and TMD. The authors believe that, when the most common causes of tinnitus, such as otologic disorders and neurological diseases are excluded, it is correct to evaluate the functionality of the temporo-mandibular joint and eventually treat its pathology to obtain tinnitus improvement or even resolution.

A comparative study on the impact of intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid, tenoxicam and betametazon on the relief of temporomandibular joint disorder complaints

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intra-articular injections of three different agents with well known anti-inflammatory properties.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Between April 2010 and January 2013 a total of 100 patients who were diagnosed as temporomandibular joint disorder in the Department of Otolaryngology at Bozok University School of Medicine were prospectively studied. Patients with symptoms of jaw pain, limited or painful jaw movement, clicking or grating within the joint, were evaluated with temporomandibular CT to investigate the presence of cartilage or capsule degeneration. In the study group there were 55 female and 45 male patients who were non-responders to conventional anti-inflammatory treatment for TMJ complaints. The patients were randomly divided into four groups consisting of a control group and three different groups who underwent intra-articular injection of one given anti-inflammatory agent for each group. We injected saline solution to intra-articular space in the control group. Of three anti-inflammatory agents including hyaluronic acid (HA, Hyalgan intra-articular injection, Sodium hyaluronate 10 mg/ml, 2 ml injection syringe, Bilim Pharmaceutical Company, Istanbul, Turkey); betamethasone (CS, Diprospan flacon, 7.0 mg betamethasone/1 ml, Schering-Plough Pharmaceutical Company, Istanbul, Turkey) and; tenoxicam (TX, Tilcotil flacon, 20 mg tenoxicam/ml, Roche Pharmaceutical Company, Istanbul, Turkey) were administered intra-articularly under, ultrasonographic guidance. Following the completion of injections the, changes in subjective symptoms were compared with visual analogue scales, (VAS) scores at 1st and 6th weeks' follow-up visits between four groups.

RESULTS

The HA group did significantly better pain relief scores compared to the, other groups at 1st and 6th weeks (p < 0.05). TX and CS groups' pain scores were better than control group values (p < 0.05, for both agents). The pain relief effect of TX was noted to decrease significantly between the 1st and 6th week (p < 0.05) (Fig. 1). We did not observe the same pattern in HA, CS and control (saline) groups between 1st and 6th week (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We found that HA produced better pain relief scores when compared to the other anti-inflammatory agents studied. The main disadvantage of HA is its relatively higher cost. Additionally it does not have a reimbursement status by state or private health insurance systems in Turkey. Despite the lower VAS scores, intra-articular TX and CS may be assessed as more economic alternatives to intra-articular HA injections.