Comparison of treatment efficacy between hyaluronic acid and arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid in internal derangements of temporomandibular joint

Recent Use of Hyaluronic Acid in Dental Medicine

This systematic review evaluates the clinical effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) in periodontal therapy, oral surgery, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Background. HA, a biocompatible glycosaminoglycan with anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, is increasingly used in dentistry to enhance healing, reduce pain, and support periodontal regeneration. However, its efficacy compared to conventional treatments remains debated. Materials and Methods. A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (2015-2025). Twenty-one clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case-control studies, were analyzed for outcomes related to pain reduction, tissue regeneration, and functional recovery. HA improved clinical attachment levels, reduced probing depth, and enhanced wound healing in periodontal therapy and oral surgery. It accelerated healing after extractions and frenectomies. However, TMJ disorder studies showed mixed results, with some reporting pain relief and functional improvement, while others found no significant advantage over platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or corticosteroids. Variability in HA formulations and protocols influenced outcomes. HA is a promising adjunct for periodontal therapy and wound healing. However, its role in TMJ treatment remains uncertain. Further RCTs with standardized protocols are needed to determine its optimal clinical application.

Arthrocentesis versus conservative treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders: A systematic review with meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of arthrocentesis compared to conservative treatments for symptomatic temporomandibular joint disorders. A systematic search for randomized, prospective and retrospective controlled trials was undertaken in five electronic databases. Various patient outcomes and economic evaluations were analysed for short-term (<6 months), intermediate-term (6 months to 5 years) and long-term (≥5 years) follow-up periods. Primary meta-analyses were performed for randomized controlled trials using random-effects models. Arthrocentesis was superior to conservative treatments regarding pain reduction at short-term (MD 14.5 (95% CI 9.7; 19.4), k= 9 RCTs, n= 545 patients, I2= 48%, high quality of evidence) and intermediate-term follow-up (MD 14.2 (95% CI 7.3; 21.1), k=9 RCTs, n= 547 patients, I2= 81%, moderate quality of evidence). Furthermore, arthrocentesis was superior to conservative treatment regarding maximum mouth opening improvement at short-term (MD 2.4 mm (95% CI 0.8; 4.1), k= 8 RCTs, n= 472 patients, I2= 80%, moderate quality of evidence) and intermediate-term follow-up (MD 2.2 mm (95% CI 0.5; 3.9), k= 8 RCTs, n= 468 patients, I2= 75%, moderate quality of evidence). Trial sequential analysis supported the conclusions of all primary meta-analyses. Results were clinically relevant for pain improvement, but not for maximum mouth opening improvement. Results at long-term follow-up and for other study outcomes were either lacking or too heterogenous for meta-analysis, highlighting the need for more standardized, high-quality research.

Analysis of the Use of Sample Size and Effect Size Calculations in a Temporomandibular Disorders Randomised Controlled Trial-Short Narrative Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the term used to describe a pathology (dysfunction and pain) in the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). There is an apparent upward trend in the publication of dental research and a need to continually improve the quality of research. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyse the use of sample size and effect size calculations in a TMD randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

The period was restricted to the full 5 years, i.e., papers published in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The filter article type-"Randomized Controlled Trial" was used. The studies were graded on a two-level scale: 0-1. In the case of 1, sample size (SS) and effect size (ES) were calculated.

RESULTS

In the entire study sample, SS was used in 58% of studies, while ES was used in 15% of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality should improve as research increases. One factor that influences quality is the level of statistics. SS and ES calculations provide a basis for understanding the results obtained by the authors. Access to formulas, online calculators and software facilitates these analyses. High-quality trials provide a solid foundation for medical progress, fostering the development of personalized therapies that provide more precise and effective treatment and increase patients' chances of recovery. Improving the quality of TMD research, and medical research in general, helps to increase public confidence in medical advances and raises the standard of patient care.

Arthroscopy versus arthrocentesis and versus conservative treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of arthroscopy compared to arthrocentesis and to conservative treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders. Thirteen controlled studies on various patient outcomes were included after a systematic search in seven electronic databases. Meta-analyses were conducted separately for arthroscopic surgery (AS) and arthroscopic lysis and lavage (ALL), and short-term (<6 months), intermediate-term (6 months to 5 years), and long-term (≥5 years) follow-up periods were considered. No significant differences in pain reduction and complication rates were found between AS or ALL and arthrocentesis. Regarding improvement in maximum mouth opening (MMO), both AS at intermediate-term and ALL at short-term follow-up were equally efficient when compared to arthrocentesis. However, at intermediate-term follow-up, ALL was superior to arthrocentesis for MMO improvement (mean difference 4.9 mm, 95% confidence interval 2.7-7.1 mm). Trial sequential analysis supported the conclusion of the meta-analysis for MMO improvement for ALL versus arthrocentesis studies at intermediate-term follow-up, but not for the other meta-analyses. Insufficient evidence exists to draw conclusions regarding other patient outcomes or about comparisons between arthroscopy and conservative treatments. Due to the low quality of the primary studies, further research is warranted before final conclusions can be drawn regarding the management of temporomandibular joint disorders.

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.

Hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with temporomandibular disorders: An umbrella review of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the main cause of chronic facial pain, and intra-articular (IA) injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) are commonly performed.

OBJECTIVES

This umbrella review of systematic reviews aimed at analysing the effectiveness of HA injections on pain and functional outcomes in patients affected by TMD.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library and PEDro were systematically searched from inception until 17 January 2023 to identify systematic reviews evaluating the effects on pain and functional outcomes of HA IA injections. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022382586.

RESULTS

Out of 316 papers suitable for title/abstract screening, 18 articles were included in the umbrella review. Thirteen studies included only randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). The included systematic reviews reported no statistically significant differences between HA and corticosteroids, whereas platelet derivates seem to have good results in pain relief. The literature did not show severe adverse events, except for mild pain in the site of injection. Concerning the quality assessment of the 18 systematic reviews, 2 (11.11%) had a high quality, 3 (16.67%) a moderate quality, 7 (38.89%) a low quality and 6 (33.33%) a critically low quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, findings of this umbrella review showed intriguing effects of IA HA injections in terms of reduction of pain intensity and improvement of functioning in patients affected by TMD. Furthermore, there is no agreement on the effectiveness of a combination of arthrocentesis or arthroscopy with IA HA injections. Although the literature showed these positive results after IA HA injections, the overlapping of primary studies in the systematic reviews included might have affect our results, such as the very low quality of the papers. Thus, further RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy of IA injections of HA on pain relief in patients with TMD.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

The study aimed to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) with hyaluronic acid (HA) therapy. This randomized controlled trial included 70 patients with TMJ-OA, randomly divided into either a PRP or HA group. The pain intensity, maximum mouth opening (MMO), TMJ sound score, and proportion of crepitus were recorded and compared at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, MMO, TMJ sound, and scale scores during the 6-month follow-up period. The improvements in pain intensity during mouth opening at 1 month, MMO at 1, 3, and 6 months, TMJ sound score at 1 and 3 months, and GAD-7 score at 6 months in the PRP group were greater than in the HA group (p < 0.05). Compared with the HA group, imaging improvement in the PRP group was also higher (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of the study it seems that the application of PRP therapy in TMJ-OA is should be considered whenever possible.

Current Clinical Research Directions on Temporomandibular Joint Intra-Articular Injections: A Mapping Review

This mapping review aims to identify and discuss current research directions on intracavitary temporomandibular joints (TMJs) injections. The inclusion criteria allowed studies published in the last full six years, based on patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), treated by TMJ intra-articular injections. Medical databases covered by the Association for Computing Machinery, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, PubMed, and Elsevier Scopus engines were searched. The results were visualized with tables, charts, and diagrams. Of the 2712 records identified following the selection process, 152 reports were qualified for review. From January 2017, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA) was the best-documented injectable administered into TMJ cavities. However, a significant growing trend was observed in the number of primary studies on centrifuged blood preparations administrations that surpassed the previously leading HA from 2021.

Counselling treatment versus counselling associated with jaw exercises in patients with disc displacement with reduction-a single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare effectiveness of counselling program versus counselling program plus jaw exercises to reduce pain and click in patients with temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction (DDWR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were divided into two groups: instructions for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) plus jaw exercises (test, n = 34), only TMD instructions (control, n = 34). Pain was analyzed by palpation (RDC/TMD). It was investigated if the click caused discomfort. Both groups were evaluated at baseline, 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days' post treatment.

RESULTS

The click was present in 85.7% (n = 60). In 30-day evaluation, there was a statistically significant difference between groups in the right median temporal muscle (p = 0.041); and there was a statistically significant difference in treatment self-perception (p = 0.002) and click's discomfort (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The exercise with recommendations showed better results, resolution of the click, and self-perception of the treatment effectiveness.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study presents therapeutic approaches that are easy to perform and that can be monitored remotely. In view of the current stage of the global pandemic, these treatment options become even more valid and useful.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER

This clinical trial was registered at Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec) under protocol RBR-7t6ycp ( http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7t6ycp/ ), Date of registration: 26/06/2020.

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.

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.

Lavage Volume of Arthrocentesis in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the most effective lavage volume of arthrocentesis in the management of temporomandibular disorders. A comprehensive electronic search, based on the PRISMA guidelines, was performed, which included a computer search with specific keywords, a reference list search and a manual search. The inclusion criteria were the following: a randomized controlled trial, at least 20 subjects who underwent arthrocentesis, mention of the irrigation materials used for the arthrocentesis, mention of the irrigation volumes used for the arthrocentesis, MMO and pain measured as VAS or NRS, were reported as outcome figures, mention of a specific diagnosis or signs and symptoms, and inclusion of the data on the MMO or VAS/NRS at 6-month follow-up. Sixteen publications were enrolled in the meta-analysis, comparing arthrocentesis with a lavage volume <150 mL and arthrocentesis with a lavage volume ≥150 mL, in the efficacy of the improvement in the mouth opening and pain reduction. The results revealed the group with a lavage volume <150 mL had a greater improvement in the mouth opening and pain reduction. However, results are to be interpreted with caution, due to the paucity of the randomized controlled literature and other confounding factors. Further high-quality studies are required to provide a better conclusion to the treatment outcomes of the different lavage volumes.

Injectable platelet-rich fibrin as treatment for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment outcomes of intraarticular injection of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) after arthrocentesis in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA). Patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: those who received intraarticular injection of i-PRF after arthrocentesis procedure - the i-PRF group; and those who underwent the arthrocentesis procedure alone - the control group. The primary outcome variable was pain, the level of which was measured preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The secondary outcome variables included maximum mouth opening (MMO), and lateral and protrusive movements. Of the total of 36 patients, 18 were analyzed in the i-PRF group and 18 in the control group. There were significant differences between the groups in terms of pain levels and measurements of MMO, lateral movement, and protrusive movement over the 12 months of follow-up (p < 0.001). Significant increases in pain levels and decreases in measurements of MMO, lateral movement, and protrusive movement were observed in the control group from the 6th to 12th month postoperatively (p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant differences were found in both pain levels and measurements of MMO, lateral, and protrusive movements for the i-PRF group from the 2nd to the 12th month postoperatively. Within the limitations of the study it seems that intraarticular injection of i-PRF after arthrocentesis should be preferred whenever appropriate because when reducing pain intensity and improving functional jaw movement is the priority.

Long term oral health related quality of life after TMJ arthrocentesis with hyaluronic acid. A retrospective cohort study

The purpose of the study was to assess the long-term oral health-related quality of life (oQoL) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID) after TMJ arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid (HA). Patients were analysed at different follow-up times using an analytical observational design. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score was evaluated according to age, sex, disc position, presence of degenerative joint disease (DJD), joint pain, maximum mouth opening and follow-up time. A total of 60 participants were enrolled, 88% female, with a mean age of 38 years (SD = 13.48). In an average follow-up of 25.02 months (SD = 5.32), the OHIP-14 total score decreased 8.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.21 to -6.11) after the intervention (Cohen's d = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.64). All OHIP-14 domain scores decreased (p < 0.05) except for the Functional limitation domain (p = 0.378). The oQoL after the intervention worsened in female patients (p = 0.039) and with a higher level of pain at baseline (p = 0.002). Self-perceived QoL improvement should be considered stable long term after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis plus HA, regardless of concurrence with DJD or ID subtype. QoL should be used as clinical assessment measure of ID patients, with special attention to those with higher levels of pain.

Treatment of Mandibular Hypomobility by Injections into the Temporomandibular Joints: A Systematic Review of the Substances Used

INTRODUCTION

Hyaluronic acid, steroids and blood products are popularly injected into the temporomandibular joint (TMJs) to relieve pain and increase the extent of mandibular abduction. The purpose of this review is to identify other injectable substances and to evaluate them in the above-mentioned domains.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The review included articles describing clinical trials of patients treated with intra-articular injections with or without arthrocentesis.

RESULTS

The following emerging substances were initially evaluated to be effective in treating TMJ pain and increasing the amplitude of mandibular abduction: analgesics, dextrose with lidocaine, adipose tissue, nucleated bone marrow cells and ozone gas.

DISCUSSION

Better effects of intra-articular administration are achieved by preceding the injection with arthrocentesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The most promising substances appear to be bone marrow and adipose tissue.

The Administration of Hyaluronic Acid into the Temporomandibular Joints' Cavities Increases the Mandible's Mobility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to identify clinical studies concerning the impact of intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid (HA) on mandibular mobility and to make an attempt at determining the efficacy of HA in this indication.

METHODS

The review included primary studies involving groups of at least 10 patients who were diagnosed with pain in the temporomandibular joint and who were injected with hyaluronic acid as the only intervention. The outcomes pursued were changes in mandibular mobility and pain intensity. Four databases of medical articles were searched, including PubMed and BASE. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane methodology tools. The therapy's efficacy was calculated in the domains of mandibular abduction, protrusive movement, lateral mobility, and pain relief. For these values, the regression and correlation with variables characterizing the interventions were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 16 reports on 20 study groups with a total of 1007 patients qualified for the review. The mean effectiveness in the domain of mandibular abduction over the 6-month follow-up period was 122% of the initial value, and the linear regression model can be expressed as 0.5x + 36. The level of pain in the same time frame decreased to an average of 29%. The severity of pain 6 months after the beginning of treatment positively correlates with the number of injections per joint (0.63), the total amount of drug administered in milliliters (0.62), and the volume of drug administered monthly per joint (0.50).

LIMITATIONS

In some studies, the patient groups were heterogeneous in terms of diagnosis. The studies varied depending on the joint into which the HA was administered. The synthesized studies differed with regard to the method of measuring the mandible abduction amplitude.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in the amplitude of mandibular abduction was expressed as the quotient of the mean values during the observation periods, and the initial value was achieved in all study groups, and in the linear regression model, it was 0.5 mm on average per month. Multiple administrations of the drug may reduce the analgesic effectiveness of the treatment.

Evaluation of Auditory Changes in Patients Undergoing Temporomandibular Joint Discectomy

PURPOSE

Discectomy is 1 of the preferred TMJ surgical procedure for the treatment of internal derangements when conservative and minimally invasive treatments have failed. The purpose of the current study is to investigate whether a TMJ discectomy operation influences auditory function and clinical variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study was composed of patients who underwent a TMJ discectomy operation between 2016 and 2020. Auditory function was evaluated with pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex tests at preoperatively (T₀), postoperative first week (T₁), first month (T₂), and third month (T₃). Clinical parameters including maximum mouth opening (MMO) and TMJ pain were also evaluated at T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃, and sixth month (T₄).

RESULTS

The study consisted of 17 patients (5 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 42.65. A significant reduction in VAS pain scores and MMO values compared to baseline values was achieved in all follow up periods (P^T0-T1= .001; P^T0-T2/T3/T4 < .001). In pure tone audiometry, a significant increase in T₁-T₀ comparisons at 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 6000 Hz, 8000 Hz frequencies, and pure tone average (P = .008; P = .005; P = .012; P = .002; P = .001) was observed. In T₃-T₀ comparisons, a statistically significant decrease was observed in pure tone thresholds at 125 Hz and 8000 Hz frequencies (P = .008; P = .01). There was no statistically significant difference in middle ear pressure and compliance values at T₁, T₂, and T₃ compared to T₀ (P ˃ .05). Type C tympanogram was seen in 3 patients at T₁ and in 1 patient at T₂. Acoustic reflex tests were positive in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although mild changes occurred in auditory tests in the early postoperative period, TMJ discectomy procedure has no permanent effect on auditory function.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of different puncture points for second cannula in double puncture arthrocentesis of temporomandibular joint

The study at checking if treatment outcomes in double puncture temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis (DPTMJA) changed when the puncture points of the second cannula punctate were changed. Using a retrospective cohort study design, the investigators enrolled a sample of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD, internal derangement) patients receiving DPTMJA. The decision of whether to perform a modified or traditional arthrocentesis was made by the patients: Patients who accepted the close cannula relationship were evaluated as group 1 (modification group), and those who did not agree as group 2 (traditional group). The predictor variable was puncture points of the second cannula (close to vs. far from the first cannula; group 1 and 2, respectively). The main outcome variables included maximum mouth opening (MMO), and pain assessed using a Likert-type (0-10) visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment and at 1st day and 3rd months intervals. Appropriate statistics were computed using P < .05 was considered significant. The study sample comprised 32 patients (93.8% females; 50% in each study arm) with an average age of 36.9 ± 15.3 years (range, 18-78). Although, patient age and gender, and baseline VAS in both groups were not significant different (P > .05), the baseline MMO in group 2 was significant higher than that in group 1 (P = .03). The within-group analyses demonstrated the significant improvement of both MMO and VAS at postoperative month 3 (P < .05). However, the between-group analyses rejected the significant differences between the 2 groups at day 1 and month 3 (P > .05). Within the limitations of the study the choice of one or the other technique should be left to the discretion of the surgeon.

Temporomandibular Disorders: Current Concepts and Controversies in Diagnosis and Management

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of orofacial pain conditions which are the most common non-dental pain complaint in the maxillofacial region. Due to the complexity of the etiology, the diagnosis and management of TMD remain a challenge where consensus is still lacking in many aspects. While clinical examination is considered the most important process in the diagnosis of TMD, imaging may serve as a valuable adjunct in selected cases. Depending on the type of TMD, many treatment modalities have been proposed, ranging from conservative options to open surgical procedures. In this review, the authors discuss the present thinking in the etiology and classification of TMD, followed by the diagnostic approach and the current trend and controversies in management.

Preoperative and postoperative assessment of temporal and masseter muscle size with magnetic resonance imaging in patients undergoing unilateral temporomandibular joint surgery

The aim of this study was to assess any change between the preoperative and postoperative sizes of temporal and masseter muscles with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients undergoing unilateral temporomandibular joint surgery. This study was designed and implemented retrospectively. For clinical evaluation, a visual analog scale (VAS) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) were used. In order to make a preoperative diagnosis and perform a 6-month control, muscle size was measured in millimeters (mm) on T1 axial sections in MRI. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 23.0 software package. Numeric variables were compared between two dependent groups using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Twelve patients who underwent unilateral discectomy plus dermis-fat grafting, with classical preauricular inverse L incision, were included in the study, and data for eleven female patients were evaluated. The difference in size between the operated and non-operated sides was found to be statistically insignificant at the preoperative stage for both masseter muscle (operated side m^M: 13.264 ± 1.822 mm; non-operated side m^M: 13.264 ± 2.315 mm; p^M = 0.929) and temporal muscle (operated side m^T: 20.345 ± 2.609 mm; non-operated side m^T: 20.582 ± 2.366 mm; p^T = 0.594). There was a significant size reduction in the masseter muscle on the operated side in the postoperative period (preop m^M: 13.264 ± 1.822 mm; postop m^M: 12.036 ± 1.728 mm; p^M = 0.018). Although there was also a size reduction in the operated side of the temporal muscle in the postoperative period, that difference did not reach statistical significance (preop m^T: 20.345 ± 2.609 mm; postop m^T: 19.445 ± 1.603 mm; p^T = 0.182). On the non-operated side, there were no significant postoperative changes in the sizes of either the masseter muscle (preop m^M: 13.264 ± 2.315 mm; postop m^M: 12.682 ± 2.059 mm; p^M = 0.248) or the temporal muscle (preop m^T: 20.582 ± 2.366; postop m^T: 19.891 ± 3.487 mm; p^T = 0.625). Considering the study findings as a whole, a size reduction was observed in the operated side of the masseter muscle after TMJ surgery. The etiology of this change may be surgical trauma to the temporal and masseter muscles, skeletal alteration resulting from condylar change secondary to discectomy, and patients restraining themselves from application of maximum bite force as a result of a self-protection mechanism due to postoperative pain.

Does glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane supplementation improve the outcome of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis management with arthrocentesis plus intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection. A randomized clinical trial

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes obtained with the use of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane (GCM) supplementation after arthrocentesis plus intraarticular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection. A randomized clinical trial was implemented with adult participants with TMJ-OA who were referred to the author's clinic between February 2014 and May 2015. The sample was entirely composed of patients with TMJ-OA who were treated randomly with a one-session arthrocentesis plus intraarticular HA injection only (control group), or an initial one-session arthrocentesis plus intraarticular HA injection followed by 3 months of GCM supplementation (study group). The predictor variable was management (treatment) technique. The outcome variables were visual analog scale evaluations (masticatory efficiency, pain complaint, joint sound) and mandibular mobility (maximal interincisal opening [MIO], and lateral and protrusive motions of the mandible). The outcome variables were recorded preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Thirty-one participants were enrolled in the study. Five were lost during follow-up. The final study sample consisted of 26 participants (age 28.35 ± 10.85 y): 14 in the control group (age 28.71 ± 10.94 y); and 12 in the study group (age 27.92 ± 11.20 y). Pain complaints (p < 0.001) and joint sounds (p = 0.030 for the control group; p = 0.023 for the study group) showed statistically significant decreases. Masticatory efficiency (p < 0.001 for the control group; p = 0.040 for the study group) and lateral mandibular motion (p = 0.040 for the control group; p = 0.004 for study group) showed statistically significant increases in both groups, whereas MIO and protrusive mandibular motion showed no significant changes in either group (p > 0.05). After estimating the differences between the follow-up and baseline outcomes, the mean changes in the primary outcome variables (VAS scores, MIO, and mandibular motion) showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Progressions (reparative remodeling) of hard-tissue TMJ structures were observed on CBCT scans of some participants in both groups. These findings suggested that the use of GCM supplementation after arthrocentesis plus intraarticular HA injection produced no additional clinical benefits or improvements for patients with TMJ-OA compared with arthrocentesis plus intraarticular HA injection alone.

Timing of arthrocentesis in the management of temporomandibular disorders: an integrative review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to assess the best timing to perform arthrocentesis in the management of temporomandibular disorders with regard to conservative treatment. A systematic search based on PRISMA guidelines, including a computer search with specific keywords, reference list search, and manual search was performed. Relevant articles were selected after three search rounds for final review based on six predefined inclusion criteria, followed by a round of critical appraisal. Eleven publications, including eight randomized controlled trials and three prospective clinical studies, were included in the review. The studies were divided into three groups based on the timing of arthrocentesis: (1) arthrocentesis as the initial treatment; (2) early arthrocentesis; and (3) late arthrocentesis. Meta-analysis was carried out to compare the efficacy of improvement in mouth opening and pain reduction in the three groups. All three groups showed improvement in mouth opening and pain reduction, with forest plots suggesting that arthrocentesis performed within 3 months of conservative treatment might produce beneficial results. We conclude that there is a knowledge gap in the current literature regarding the preferable timing to perform arthrocentesis in the management of temporomandibular disorders, and more high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to shed light on this subject.

Single portal arthroscopic temporomandibular joint discopexy: Technique and results

The aim of the present study is to assess the outcomes of monoportal arthroscopic disc repositioning (discopexy) for disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint. A retrospective, single-institutional clinical study included patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangements diagnosed and treated by monoportal discopexy. Each patient was diagnosed as having anterior disk displacement with or without reduction. The arthroscopy treatment consists of one portal approach fixing the disc with a 3/0 nylon to the tragus cartilage without anterior liberation. Arthroscopy surgery was carried out with a 1.9-mm 0° arthroscope and only one simple cannula. We use a needle to pierce of the disc through the skin and retrieve the suture inside the joint using a blind method through the arthroscopic cannula. The evaluated variables included the maximum interincisal opening, the presence of clicking and pain score. A total of 19 patients, 21 joints, were included in the present study. Of the 21 joints, 16 were classified as disc displacement with reduction and 5 without. Visual analogue scale (VAS) values (0-10) decreased from 5.5 to 1.26 (p < 0.0001) 1 year after surgery. At the first review, all patients had a VAS of at least 4 points less than before the surgery, four patients showed a VAS of 0, and nine patients near to 1. Mouth opening increased from 36.6 (±8.09) mm to 39.37 (±4.35) mm, and no significant limitations in the mouth opening range were seen (p < 0.12) 1 year after surgery. Clicking disappeared in all patients and remained stable after 12 months of follow-up. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a correct or improved position of the disc in all but one patient. A minimally invasive single portal arthroscopic discopexy is an effective technique to improve function and pain reduction in patients with anterior disk displacement with or without reduction.